Solar Projects Raise Questions Over Farmland Use

American Farmland Trust says solar development does not have to take farmland out of production.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — American Farmland Trust is working to expand solar energy while keeping farmland in production.

Emily Cole with American Farmland Trust joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the organization’s Smart Solar program.

In her conversation with RFD News, Cole said solar projects are often built on farmland because it offers open land near transmission lines.

Cole says farmland can still be used for agriculture while solar panels are in place. When land is not actively farmed, she says protecting the soil can help keep it suitable for future production.

Cole also encouraged farmers to get involved in the local approval process and have a say in how solar projects are developed in their communities.

LEARN MORE: https://farmland.org/smart-solar

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Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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