Targeted Grants for the Study of PFAS in Agricultural Systems, Round 1
Forecasted
Targeted Grants for the Study of PFAS in Agricultural Systems, Round 1 supports researchers studying PFAS on farms to help Maine commercial farmers make decisions about contaminated agricultural property.
Funder: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Pre-proposal) | February 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Less than $100,000 per project, including indirect costs; 12–18 months
Summary: Supports focused PFAS research that helps Maine commercial farmers make decisions about contaminated agricultural property.
Key Information: A pre-proposal is mandatory; full proposals without one will not be considered.
Description
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s PFAS Fund supports shorter-term research to help commercial farmers decide how to use agricultural property affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Projects can answer a targeted question or address another PFAS Fund research priority that benefits the viability of Maine farms and fills a gap in the scientific literature. Pilot studies and extensions of existing research may fit.
Targeted questions cover PFAS movement from agricultural materials into water or soil; remediation and disposal; markets and safe uses for contaminated hay; accumulation involving horses, pigs, other livestock, and pollinators; communication with impacted producers; and Christmas trees as an alternative product. Broader priorities concern soil, water, and plants; animals and animal products; and understanding and managing PFAS on farms.
