Grants & Other Assistance
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Introduction
In addition to technical support for farms, health programs, land purchases, and ongoing research, DACF provides an array of grants and site solutions for commercial farms impacted by PFAS contamination.
The mission of the DACF PFAS programs is to provide resources that enable commercial farms to respond to PFAS contamination, adapt farm operations, and continue producing safe Maine agricultural products.
Transitioning to PFAS-managed farming can involve immediate response measures, short-term operational changes, and long-term investments. Farms can seek DACF technical and financial support at each stage as they evaluate options and implement site-specific solutions.
Applying
Eligible producers can apply for assistance using the Master Application, found below. Submit applications to either:
PFAS Response Program
Email: PFAS.DACF@Maine.gov, or
Hard Copy: PFAS Response Program
28 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0028
PFAS Fund
Email: PFASFund.DACF@Maine.gov, or
Hard Copy: PFAS Fund
22 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0022
Application help is available. If you aren’t sure what assistance you need, or if you want help completing and submitting application materials, reach out to PFASFund.DACF@maine.gov.
Eligibility
PFAS-contaminated commercial farms cooperating with DACF may be eligible for grant funding.
A commercial farm is defined as a farm that produces any farm product with the intent that the farm product be sold or otherwise disposed of to generate income.
Grants are intended for farms that were producing on impacted farmland before the PFAS contamination was discovered. Farmers who move to contaminated property are generally not eligible for financial assistance.
Specifically, a farm is eligible for grant funding if:
- The commercial farm has DACF-confirmed elevated levels of PFAS contamination in farm products, groundwater, or soil tests, and
- The commercial farm has partnered with DACF to investigate the scope of contamination at the farm and has granted ongoing access such that DACF staff are able to develop an understanding of the farm, its PFAS contamination, and potentially a strategy for recovery.
Some grants have additional or different eligibility requirements. These are noted in the relevant sections of the Master Application.
Master Application: Assistance for PFAS-Impacted Commercial Farms
- The Master Application is used to apply for the 8 types of assistance listed below.
- The full document can be downloaded here: Master Application
- Individual sections are described and linked below
All new applicants must complete:
Section 1. General Applicant Information (PDF): DACF PFAS grant applicants that are new or have changed information (legal name, payment address, etc.) must complete and submit this section and a Vendor Form (select the first form under “Vendor”).
Additional sections should be completed depending on the type of assistance requested.
Section 2. Administrative Cost Grant (PDF): This one-time grant is intended to partially compensate commercial farms for time spent on activities common to most farms upon the initial discovery of PFAS contamination. With some exceptions, applications are due within 12 months of discovering PFAS.
Section 3. Income Replacement (PDF): Commercial farms that have stopped selling some or all of their products due to PFAS contamination may apply to DACF for up to 24 months of lost income.
Section 4. Technical Assistance / Professional Services (PDF): Financial support for professional services to help guide recovery efforts (e.g., business planning, marketing support, others).
Section 5. Clean Feed Assistance: If feed can no longer be sourced from the farm, short-term grant funding is available to support the purchase of clean feed, supporting the reduction of PFAS from livestock (depuration), and their health and welfare.
Section 6. Input Costs (PDF): Financial support for input costs to enable a commercial farm to convert operations to new products and production methods.
Section 7. Equipment and Infrastructure (PDF) Financial support for equipment and infrastructure projects that will help a commercial farm transition to new products and production methods.
Section 8. New Loan Assistance (PDF): Financial support for costs associated with obtaining a new loan (e.g., payment of fees for a guaranteed loan, commercial loan insurance, or environmental site assessments required by a lending institution).
Important: DACF PFAS assistance programs may change over time and are subject to available funding. Payments may be considered reportable income by the IRS, Maine Revenue Services, and/or the Social Security Administration, and recipients are responsible for payment of all applicable taxes.
For any applicant denied grant funding, the view Appeals Process (PDF).
PFAS Response Program: Additional Financial Support
PFAS Farm Testing Reimbursement Program (PDF): Reimbursement for certain costs incurred for self-testing soil, water, and/or farm products. It is recommended that farms first discuss their situation with DACF before testing. For more information, please review the Testing Reimbursement Guidance (PDF)
Farm Water Treatment Program (PDF): This program covers the cost of farm water filtration systems when necessary to safely produce agricultural products. No application form is required at this point. For more information, please review the Water Treatment Guidance (PDF).
Under the oversight of DEP, residential wells for home consumption meeting certain criteria are also eligible for water filtration systems. To inquire about eligibility, contact pfas.dep@maine.gov.
Depopulation Funding: If DACF determines that it is in the best interest of the farm and livestock to humanely euthanize PFAS-impacted animals, either due to difficulties reducing contamination levels or resulting welfare considerations, indemnification value is provided to the producer. No application form is required at this point. For more information, please review the Livestock Depopulation Guidance (PDF).