PFAS explained: What UK farmers need to know now

1st July 2026

Marchwood

NRM

Agriculture

Environment

PFAS are increasingly appearing in conversations about agriculture, environmental regulation and food production, but for many UK farmers, they remain an unfamiliar topic.

So what exactly are PFAS, why are they receiving so much attention, and what could they mean for your farm?

PFAS explained UK farm with winding river

PFAS explained: what are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

They’ve been used extensively since the mid-20th century for their resistance to heat, water and grease. As a result, they are found in a wide range of everyday materials, including:

Non-stick coatings
Waterproof clothing
Firefighting foams
Food packaging
Industrial processing

The defining characteristic of PFAS is their chemical stability. The carbon-fluorine bond that forms their structure is extremely strong, so they do not break down easily in the environment and can persist for decades.

PFAS explained: why they are now under scrutiny

While PFAS have been used for decades, attention to them has increased significantly in recent years due to their persistence, widespread presence, and potential environmental and health impacts. Research by the Environment Agency shows that PFAS are now widely detected in water, soil, and ecosystems across England, reflecting their long-term accumulation from multiple sources.

At the same time, scientific understanding of their behaviour in the environment is improving, with increasing focus on:

How they move through environmental systems.
How they accumulate over time.
Their potential to enter the food chain.

As a result, regulators and policymakers are taking a more precautionary approach.

Why this matters to agriculture

At first glance, PFAS might seem like an industrial issue rather than an agricultural one. However, agriculture is closely connected to wider environmental systems, meaning PFAS can enter and move through farmed land via multiple pathways.

Evidence in the UK highlights that:

PFAS can enter soils through organic inputs such as sewage sludge (biosolids).
They are present in water systems, which can influence irrigation and water body catchments.
Some crop protection products may also contain PFAS compounds.

Unlike many substances, PFAS don’t degrade quickly, so repeated low-level inputs gradually build up in soils. Defra aims to strengthen biosolids regulation with more precautionary, evidence-based controls on contaminants like PFAS. This includes better monitoring, risk-based standards, tighter land application permits, and a focus on source reduction, aligning with the UK PFAS strategy to protect soil, water, and public health.

Where does the UK currently stand?

In the UK, PFAS regulation is still evolving. There are currently:

No widespread farm-level restrictions specific to PFAS.
Ongoing government and Environment Agency research programmes.
Increasing alignment with international (particularly EU) regulatory direction.

The Environment Agency has conducted comprehensive monitoring and research to understand PFAS distribution and risks, including studies of water systems and environmental pathways. Meanwhile, industry groups and policymakers are highlighting gaps in monitoring and regulation, particularly concerning agricultural inputs such as biosolids, as mentioned.

PFAS explained: why farmers should pay attention now

PFAS is not yet a headline issue on most farms, but there are clear reasons why it’s gaining importance.

1. Increasing supply chain focus

Retailers, processors and assurance schemes are placing greater emphasis on:

Environmental risk
Input transparency

PFAS are beginning to emerge in supply chain conversations.

2. Scrutiny of inputs

Inputs such as biosolids and certain chemical products are attracting closer scrutiny due to their potential to introduce contaminants into agricultural systems.

This could lead to:

More questions from buyers and advisors.
Greater need for documentation and justification of inputs.

3. Long-term environmental considerations

Because PFAS persist in the environment, they raise questions about:

Soil quality over the long term.
Future regulatory compliance.
The legacy of land management decisions.

Recent UK research has even shown PFAS present in shallow soils across England, confirming that these substances are already part of the wider environment.

However, it is important to keep this issue in perspective. Research into PFAS in agriculture is still developing, with evidence showing that levels and associated risks can vary significantly between locations. Substantial knowledge gaps remain, particularly around crop uptake and impacts at the farm level. As such, this is not a case for immediate alarm or drastic change, but rather a need to stay informed, build understanding and be prepared as the evidence base evolves.

What should farmers do now?

At this stage, the focus should be on awareness rather than action.

Practical steps include:

Understanding key inputs, particularly organic manures
Maintaining good records of applications
Staying informed as guidance evolves
Being prepared to respond to supply chain queries

These are all “no regret” actions that support good farm management regardless of how PFAS regulation develops.

Looking ahead, PFAS is set to grow as a significant concern for UK agriculture in the coming years. Farmers will face the challenge of balancing environmental commitments, practical farming activities, and the economic aspects of farm management. Those who grasp the issue early and make transparent, informed choices will be better positioned to adapt.

Next in the PFAS focussed blog series

In the next blog, we’ll explore how PFAS actually move through farm systems, including soils, water and crops, and what that means in practice.

How we can help

Our sister laboratory, Marchwood, supports farmers, landowners, supply chain partners and businesses across the wider agricultural and environmental sectors with specialised PFAS testing and advisory services. These services help clarify contamination risks and guide practical decisions. Through analysis of soil, water, biosolids and food/feed, Marchwood detects PFAS presence and distribution, enabling users to evaluate impacts on land use, crop production, and regulatory compliance.

To understand more about PFAS and how Marchwood can help, get in touch.