EPA invests $15 million in research targeting environmental threats to U.S. food security amidst rising concerns.
At a Glance
- EPA announced $15 million in grants to reduce PFAS exposure and protect agricultural communities.
- PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals,’ pose serious health risks and contaminate soil and water.
- Research will focus on PFAS bioaccumulation in plants and livestock.
- Nearly every state has drinking water with PFAS levels above EPA’s new limits.
- USDA renews and expands efforts to cut food waste by 50% by 2030.
EPA Grants $15 Million to Combat PFAS in Agriculture
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allocated over $15 million in research grants to ten institutions to reduce PFAS exposure from food and protect farmlands and farming communities. This critical funding aims to explore how PFAS, often called ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment, can be mitigated in the agricultural context. These efforts are essential to safeguard our food supply chain and public health.
The Dangers of PFAS Chemicals
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that accumulate in the environment and human bodies over time, posing significant health risks. Research indicates that high levels of PFAS can cause increased cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, and even cancer. Nearly every U.S. state has drinking water with PFAS levels exceeding new EPA limits, spotlighting the urgency of addressing this contamination.
Research Strategies and Goals
Research efforts will focus on collecting data on PFAS bioaccumulation in agricultural plants and livestock. The goal is to identify strategies for reducing PFAS exposure in farming communities. This endeavor aligns with the federal government’s broader commitment to protecting food security amidst evolving environmental challenges.
“Farming communities are the lifeblood of this nation,” said Christopher Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “The research supported by these grants will increase our knowledge of how PFAS is impacting our farmlands and food supply and help ensure our farming communities stay viable for years to come.”
USDA’s Commitment to Reducing Food Waste
Alongside the EPA’s initiatives, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has renewed and expanded the Federal Interagency Collaboration to Reduce Food Loss and Waste with the EPA, the FDA, and the addition of USAID. This collaboration is part of a concerted effort to halve food waste by 2030, a goal that is both ambitious and necessary given that 30-40% of the U.S. food supply is currently wasted.
“By renewing this agreement and adding USAID into the effort, we affirm our shared commitment to coordinated action to reduce food loss and waste and educate Americans on its impacts and importance,” Vilsack said. “Individually and collectively, each of these agencies is working to combat food loss and waste from farm to table.”
The Broader Impact of Food Waste Reduction
Reducing food waste goes beyond conserving resources and reducing environmental impact. It addresses the societal issue of food insecurity, ensuring that the food produced can feed more families in need. Additionally, these measures help reduce the substantial greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste.
