PFAS Emergency Relief Fund

Maine Farmland Trust (MFT) and MOFGA are jointly administering a PFAS emergency relief fund to support any Maine farm dealing with potential per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. The fund covers initial PFAS testing; wellness and mental-health costs; short-term income replacement for DACF-identified high-result farms; infrastructure adaptations; and PFAS tax-preparation support.

All commercial farms (a farm that sells at least $2,000 to consumers outside of the household) are eligible. Applicants self-identified as Indigenous producers of food and/or medicine do not need to meet commercial farm eligibility criteria. Priority is given to farms deriving at least 50% of family income from the farm and to "Tier 1" licensed sites. Income Replacement requires a DACF referral, at least 50% of family income from the farm, stopped sales, and a W-9 and recent Schedule F.

Testing costs are paid directly to labs (Maine Environmental Laboratory / Northern Tilth). Income replacement is paid bi-weekly until DACF's program starts or funds run out; the award is deducted from the later DACF payment to replenish the fund. Wellness awards are no more than $500 and available no more than once per month. Resources are limited and not all eligible applications may be funded. Jointly administered by Maine Farmland Trust and MOFGA.

Apply through the PFAS testing Google form (reviewed weekly) or the tax-preparation support form. For Income Replacement, contact Nancy McBrady, DACF bureau director (nancy.mcbrady@maine.gov, 207-287-7522), who refers eligible farms to MFT/MOFGA; infrastructure grants are by DACF referral.