ARUNDEL, Maine (AP) A Maine dairy farmer who has spoken out about contamination from “forever chemicals” in the state says he has been denied help from a federal assistance program.

Fred Stone of Arundel was hopeful for assistance from a safety-net program for farmers who can’t sell milk because of contamination. He has raised alarms about PFAS contamination in the state. The Portland Press Herald reports Stone says he was rejected for assistance that he needs to keep his farm going.

Representatives for the federal government told the Press Herald they must follow rules set by Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.