Agriculture in Texas has not just become a way of life but has also served as a cornerstone of the state’s economy.
Yet its land that has nourished generations of families is now threatened by a hidden danger—per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals that were once touted for their ability to resist water, fire, and oil have contaminated the soil and water that farmers depend on.
While PFAS are often linked to industrial areas, they have quietly made their way into Texas farms and have already damaged crops, harmed livestock, and put the future of agriculture at risk.
While some states are beginning to take action, Texas and others sadly lag behind, which causes farmers to pay a high price. Thus, it needs proactive action now. Amidst this crisis, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act could make a significant difference. This is not just another piece of legislation.
Rather, it is a remarkable lifeline for farmers who are fighting to save their land, their livelihood, and their future from this hidden threat.
The Dangers of PFAS in Biosolids PFAS or “forever chemicals” are an insidious threat to society—seeping into the environment and causing serious harm.
Such substances can withstand the process of natural degradation, which means they stick around in the soil, water, and air for decades. But this durability has sadly caused pollution that has impacted everything from drinking water to farming.
For agriculture, PFAS enters the picture through contaminated water, industrial runoff, and the use of biosolids. Biosolids are recognized as nutrient-rich byproducts of wastewater treatment, which are often recycled and applied to farmland as fertilizer.
Yet such materials contain harmful chemicals like PFAS that are linked to various agricultural issues, such as making crops unsafe for human consumption. In Texas, farmers have depended heavily on these materials, unknowingly spreading toxic substances across their fields.
The agricultural consequences are severe. PFAS can stunt crop growth, harm livestock, and jeopardize the financial stability of farming communities. When the land or water is polluted, much of what a farm produces may not be sold, which eventually leads to financial collapse.
The repercussions also extend beyond the economic strain. Research has also associated chemical exposure with serious health conditions, like different forms of cancer, thyroid problems, and developmental delays in children.
The PFAS Crisis in Biosolids in Texas Texas is already confronting a heavy toll caused by PFAS contamination. An interactive map shows hundreds of water systems, military sites, and other sources in the Lone Star State have been detected with “forever chemicals,” which affect millions who rely on those sources for drinking and farming. And this is a problem that stretches across both rural and urban areas.
What makes things worse is the insufficient regulations implemented. While some states like Maine have acted to ban PFAS-laden biosolids and the manufacturing and sale of contaminated firefighting foams, Texas has not yet done the same. This leaves farmers exposed to the risks of harmful substances— often without any way to do something about it.
Many municipalities have also taken legal action against liable parties like Synagro Technologies for failing to provide adequate warning about the risks of PFAS and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for falling short in its mandate to monitor chemical contamination.
The damage does not just bring legal battles because it also creates financial and personal issues. Farmers and other members of the agriculture industry are dealing with poisoned water, sick animals, and crops that no longer thrive.
One heartbreaking case involved a rancher who lost his entire herd to PFAS contamination, which pushed him to the brink of financial ruin. Tragically, these kinds of stories are becoming more common. If action is not taken, more farms will still fall victim to this crisis.
How the New Legislation Can Help The groundbreaking Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act is one critical step in offering help to those impacted by PFAS contamination. The bill particularly apportions $500 million from fiscal years 2024 to 2028 to establish a federal grant program that will assist farmers who are dealing with the consequences of chemical pollution.
This funding sees to it that water and soil are tested, contaminated areas are cleaned up, and compensation for the losses of specified victims is handed over.
However, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act is more than just about aiding farmers right now. It’s about creating a coordinated and national response to the persistent crisis.
At this time, Texas is stuck with a patchwork of regulations that only regulate the use of PFAS—leaving those already affected farmers without clear guidance and support.
The new bill nonetheless pushes for federal leadership and cooperation so members of the agricultural sector will no longer face the tough challenge alone. Its focus is also on long-term solutions instead of quick and temporary fixes. Some might argue that $500 million isn’t enough to solve the problem completely. And although that’s a fair point, it’s a start.
Such an approach not only extends immediate consolation but also sets the stage for stronger policies and lasting reforms to handle the issue of chemical contamination better.
The PFAS crisis in Texas only shows how fragile the agricultural systems can be when proper oversight is overlooked. Farmers across the state are battling polluted soil, failed crops, and mounting financial pressures, all while dealing with a toxic and invisible threat.
The breakthrough Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act is a chance to provide relief, set clear national standards, and protect the agricultural industry.
This is a fight that Texas can't dare to ignore. Agriculture is the backbone of the Lone Star State's economy. And besides the citizens, it’s up to the federal government to protect it. Passing the new legislation is more than just helping the crop growers and livestock producers.
It’s an investment in public health, environmental safety, and the future of the nation’s food supply. Lawmakers need to take action now—Texan farmers and people anywhere cannot afford to wait any longer.
Stan Gottfredson is the President and CEO of Atraxia Law. The law firm is headquartered in San Diego, California, and is dedicated to advising and aiding victims of toxic exposure.
