BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 11, 2023
PFAS chemicals are often referred to as “forever chemicals” — but they don’t have to be forever if we invest in research to discover ways to remediate contaminated farmland and establish safety net supports and business pivots that keep farmers whole and in farming. As the Legislature prepares to hold its June 12 public hearing on the draft plan for the $60 million PFAS fund established last year, we have the opportunity to implement solutions that advance the future of farming in Maine. Farms are critical to Maine’s economic development goals, our climate action plan and our food security targets. Maine has led the nation in responding to PFAS contamination by rallying to support farmers affected by PFAS, and our local food is safer and healthier as a result. Moving forward will do right by farmers, advance our plans as a state, and continue to position Maine as a state leading the way in prioritizing safe, healthy and local food. ~ Amy Fisher, Maine Farmland Trust