Study of PFAS in Michigan Agricultural Systems

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) requests proposals for single- or multi-year research projects to aid in the understanding, management, or mitigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination on Michigan agricultural lands. MDARD seeks to close gaps in the scientific understanding of PFAS impacts on crop cultivation and livestock production, as well as identify mitigation methods. Priority research fields include PFAS sources and soil dynamics, plant uptake and tissue translocation, livestock bioaccumulation and depuration rates, and land management or remediation technologies.

Lead principal investigators must be affiliated with an accredited university or college, including community and Tribal colleges, and at least one principal investigator or project team member must be affiliated with a Michigan institution of higher education. Non-academic partners from non-governmental organizations, consulting firms, Tribal entities, or private businesses are encouraged to participate on project teams or receive subawards through an eligible academic institution. Investigators are limited to participation on no more than two applications as PI or co-PI.

Proposed projects may range from one to four years in duration. Research must demonstrate direct relevance to Michigan agricultural conditions, commodities, and practices. Out-of-state field work is allowable only if justified by clear comparability in soil types, climate, hydrology, or crops.

Applicants must first submit a required Letter of Intent (one page or less) via email to MDARD-research@michigan.gov by April 20, 2026. Selected applicants will receive an invitation to submit a complete proposal. Full proposals are limited to a five-page narrative (sections 1 through 5) plus standard cover page, biosketches, references, and budget justification templates, and must be submitted as a single assembled PDF to MDARD-research@michigan.gov by June 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm EDT.