The New York Farm Bureau will oppose the land application of contaminated sewage sludge and encourage testing prior to spreading, a change from their supportive position last year, the organization announced Friday.
The lobby group recently held its annual convention, which included representatives from county farm bureaus across the state. Part of the convention is spent voting on policy positions for the upcoming year. Sewage sludge is the end of the wastewater treatment process that can then be applied to farmland as a cheaper form of fertilizer.
“Opposition of the land application of biosolids that have detectable amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and/or elevated levels of heavy metals,” was highlighted in a press release as a policy resolution for 2026.
The New York Farm Bureau said it supports testing of sewage sludge or composted sludge including biosolids, paper mill waste or dredging soils by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to make sure they do not contain any heavy metals, PFAS and any other toxic substances prior to land application for agriculture.
Currently, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation requires those with land application permits to submit an annual report with test results, and they are allowed to spread biosolids with PFOA and PFOS under 50 parts per billion. These two types of PFAS chemicals are linked to human health issues, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The testing does look for heavy metals.
The Farm Bureau’s current policy book does not mention PFAS in connection with biosolids but does say the group condemns the actions taken by local municipalities against the use of sewage sludge on farmland.
“We support the education of both farmers and the public on the benefits and concerns of using biosolids as a source of fertilizer, and using information provided by the New York State Department[s] of Agriculture and Markets and Environmental Conservation. These agencies are the appropriate regulators for the use of this product, and municipal prohibitions restricting the use of biosolids should not be allowed,” the organization’s 2025 policy book reads.
State legislators proposed a bill last year that would put a five-year moratorium on the use of biosolids. It passed the state Senate but did not make it through the Assembly before the end of session. However, it will be re-debated in the upcoming session in January.
Several municipalities in New York have approved their own bans in the past year.
Amanda Powers, a representative for the New York Farm Bureau, said they will release more details about their policy priorities in January.
Other priorities the organization mentioned were the promotion of beef consumption in schools and public institutions, the use of agrivoltaics that support solar energy and agriculture, and the expansion and improvement of nuclear energy facilities. Additionally, the New York Farm Bureau wants to expand the definition of “farm operation” in state law to include nonprofit farms, urban agriculture, and hydroponic and aquaponic systems.