What's Happening?
American Farmland Trust (AFT) has partnered with Jordan Energy to promote Smart SolarSM principles, focusing on expanding solar energy while preserving farmland. This collaboration aims to integrate clean energy into agricultural practices, ensuring farms remain productive. The initiative responds to the increasing demand for renewable energy, with over 80% of U.S. solar projects considered for agricultural land. AFT's Smart Solar Initiative, launched in 2021, provides research, policy suggestions, and engages with farmers and developers to guide solar siting. The partnership emphasizes agrivoltaics, combining solar energy production with crop growing or livestock grazing, which can conserve water, protect crops, and increase farm incomes.
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Why It's Important?
The partnership between AFT and Jordan Energy is significant as it addresses the dual challenge of meeting renewable energy demands while preserving agricultural land. By promoting agrivoltaics, the initiative supports sustainable farming practices and energy resilience, potentially increasing farm incomes and conserving resources. This approach aligns with broader efforts to enhance the viability of farms and agricultural businesses amidst rising energy costs. The collaboration could serve as a model for integrating clean energy into agriculture, benefiting both the environment and the farming community.
What's Next?
AFT and Jordan Energy plan to expand the use of agrivoltaics in solar development, making renewable energy more accessible to farmers. This involves working closely with farmers, developers, and decision-makers to ensure farmland remains protected and productive. The partnership aims to support renewable energy initiatives that help America's farms and ranches thrive, potentially influencing future policies and practices in the agricultural sector.
