Testing & Farm Support

On this Page

If you are concerned about PFAS in Agriculture, DACF is here to help.

The PFAS Response Program was created to address PFAS in commercial agriculture in Maine.

We serve:

  • Historically licensed sludge and septage spread sites
  • Farms next to sludge, septage, and other PFAS sources
  • Agricultural businesses with PFAS impacted wells
  • Farms that have purchased potentially contaminated feed, compost, or other products
  • And many others.

PFAS can enter a farm system in a variety of ways. If you are wondering if you’re eligible for help, call or email us at pfas.dacf@maine.gov or 207-287-4514

We work with farmers to:

  • Test soil, water, feed, animals, and farm products
  • Determine whether PFAS is present and at what levels
  • Develop management strategies
  • Connect farms with financial assistance programs

View Producer Guidance

What To Expect If You Are Eligible for Free Testing

Step 1 — DACF Visits the Farm
DACF staff meet with the producer to learn about the farm and possible PFAS sources.

Step 2 — Sampling Plan
DACF creates a sampling plan that may include:

  • Soil
  • Water
  • Feed
  • Livestock
  • Farm products

Step 3 — Free Sampling
DACF collects samples at no cost to the producer.

Step 4 — Results Review
DACF reviews the results with the producer and identifies possible risks.

Step 5 — Farm Support
DACF develops management strategies and may offer financial assistance.

Step 6 – Ongoing Partnership
DACF is here when needed to support the producer in a long-term partnership.

What Do Your PFAS Test Results Mean?

Agricultural PFAS Specialists (APS) will help you understand the results of the PFAS testing conducted on your property, and develop a management plan that is specific to your farm and your crops or livestock.

How Much PFAS is Too Much PFAS

The PFAS Response Program has worked together with Toxicologists at the Maine Center for Disease Control to develop Screening Levels for soil and Action Levels for specific farm products. It is important to understand the difference between these two levels.

Soil Screening Levels identify if there is a possible concern in a farm product. The use of that land may or may not need to change. The goal is always to keep that soil in productive agricultural use.

Action Levels protect the public's health by preventing the sale of products with PFOS levels that are too high. With support from DACF, it is often possible to adjust management practices to lower PFOS levels in products and be authorized to resume sales.

Screening Levels

  • Used to identify possible concerns
  • Starts additional review and testing
  • Helps DACF decide next steps

Action Levels

  • Regulatory limit for a product
  • Product may not be sold above this level
  • Triggers regulatory action

Current Action Levels

  • Eggs: 4.7 parts per billion PFOS
  • Beef: 3.4 parts per billion PFOS
  • Milk: 210 parts per trillion PFOS

Parts per billion and parts per trillion are incredibly small concentrations. For some perspective, one part per billion is roughly the equivalent of 1 gram of salt in over 1,100 tons of potato chips. One part per trillion is about 1 second in almost 32,000 years. These low levels indicate how toxic some PFAS chemicals can be.

Producer Guidance

DACF highly encourages producers to contact us to get specific recommendations for their farm business. Call (207) 287-4514 or email at pfas.dacf@maine.gov.

Fact Sheets for Producers

The Fact Sheets below were developed to provide general recommendations for certain producers. They are considered essential information for anyone producing these products and addressing PFAS.

For Dairy Producers (PDF) - Guidance for reducing PFAS risks in milk production

For Beef and Cattle Producers (PDF) - Recommendations for feed, pasture, and herd management

For Chicken Egg Producers (PDF) - Recommendations for reducing PFAS exposure in laying hens and eggs.

Further Information for Producers

More detailed information and resources are available for certain topics. Below is a selection of particularly relevant information for producers.

Crop Uptake +

Close -

PFAS in Animals +

Close -

PFAS Science is Evolving – And So Are Our Answers

Scientists are still learning how PFAS moves through soil, water, plants, animals, and people. Different PFAS chemicals behave differently. Some can build up in the body over time.

DACF, DEP, and Maine CDC continue to:

  • Study PFAS impacts
  • Work with other states and federal agencies
  • Develop new guidance and support programs
  • Update action levels when needed

Learn more about the PFAS Fund’s Research and how it contributes to this increasing knowledge. The PFAS Response Program actively communicates to producers whenever new understanding may impact their farm and helps to guide them through any next steps.