This summer we are donating a portion of all sales on our website to the PFAS Emergency Relief Fund to support Maine farmers affected by "Forever Chemicals".
PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals, known for their ability to repel water and oil, that have been used for industrial purposes and in consumer goods since the 1950s. In the 1970s the practice of spreading "industrial sludge" was common place in Maine as a means of inexpensively fertilizing farms as well as disposing of waste from treatment plants and paper factories. Some of these industrial sludges contained PFAS which is water soluble and do not break down easily over time, which is why they are commonly referred to as "Forever Chemicals".
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health issues including thyroid disease, infertility, and weakening of immune system. Farmers were not aware of these contaminants or their side effects until recently.
Often times these industrial sludges were applied long before the current owners purchased the land and began farming it. Farmers all across the country are now realizing that the land they have cultivated and built their livelihoods upon is contaminated.
It is critical that we support these farmers.
The PFAS Emergency Relief Fund is jointly administered by the Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and Maine Farmland Trust. The funds will be used to directly support Maine farmers dealing with PFAS contaminations.
There are four primary purposes of the fund:
- PFAS Testing Grants for farms with concerns about potential contamination.
- Farmers Wellness Fund, to holistically support farmers and farm workers effected by PFAS.
- Income Replacement Grants to help farmers that have been forced to pause or reduce farm sales due to PFAS contamination.
- PFAS Infrastructure Investment Program helping farmers secure the infrastructure necessary to respond to PFAS Contamination on their farms.
More Resources:
Donate Directly to the PFAS Emergency Relief Fund
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association PFAS Resources
Maine Farmland Trust PFAS Resources
Patagonia: The Forever Chemicals