The EPA’s $15 million research investment targets threats to the U.S. food supply, but what will the outcomes reveal?
At a Glance
- EPA commits $15 million for research to address PFAS contamination in agriculture.
- PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals,’ present persistent environmental and health risks.
- Research will collect data on PFAS in agricultural plants and livestock to reduce exposure.
- The U.S. aims to cut food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, addressing significant food waste issues.
EPA Allocates $15 Million for Food Supply Research
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced over $15 million in research grants. This funding is allocated to ten institutions focusing on reducing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) exposure from food and protecting farmlands and farming communities. The goal is to address environmental hazards threatening America’s food supply, ensuring the sustainability and resilience of food production.
PFAS are colloquially known as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment. These compounds can bioaccumulate and pose potential health risks. The research initiative will delve into the bioaccumulation data in agricultural plants and livestock while exploring strategies for reducing PFAS exposure to make food production safer.
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Health Risks and Environmental Impact
The presence of PFAS in soil and water supplies raises substantial concern. Some PFAS compounds have already prompted the EPA to introduce legally enforceable limits in April, causing municipalities to review and potentially upgrade water treatment systems. High levels of certain PFAS can lead to several health issues, including increased cholesterol levels, decreased vaccine responses in children, and increased risk of cancers.
“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.”
In almost every U.S. state, PFAS levels in drinking water surpass the new EPA limits. This underlines the urgency of the research to understand better and mitigate these risks. The effort to curb PFAS contamination will set a standard for municipalities across the country to follow, contributing to nationwide strategies to protect public health.
Food Waste Reduction Goals
The U.S. has an ambitious goal to cut food loss and waste by half by 2030. Given that 30-40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted, this presents an opportunity to significantly reduce environmental impacts and protect essential resources. The USDA has also announced a $4 million investment in research and consumer education to support these efforts.
“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,” stated USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Individually and collectively, each of these agencies is working to combat food loss and waste from farm to table.”
Reducing food waste not only conserves valuable resources but also minimizes the social and environmental impacts associated with wasted food. The United States sends nearly 80 billion pounds of food to landfills annually, and over 85% of greenhouse gas emissions from landfilled food waste stem from activities before disposal.
