Solar and Agriculture Unite in Nationwide Policy Milestone

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) delegates solidify commitment to a resilient future for America's farmers and rural communities with solar projects with verified shared agricultural use

BOSTON, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Solar and Farming Association (SAFA) announces a major policy milestone that strengthens our rural farming families and economies. At the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) convention held on January 28 in San Antonio, TX, delegates voted to include the prioritization of solar projects with verified shared agricultural use in the AFBF's policy book. This paves the way for supporting more home-grown American energy while ensuring that farmland remains in production

"This milestone demonstrates the growing recognition that solar development and farming can, and should, coexist. By adopting agrivoltaics policies, the Farm Bureau has solidified its commitment to a resilient future for America's farmers and rural communities," said Lucy Bullock-Sieger, Vice President of Strategy at Lightstar and SAFA co-founder.

The AFBF policy book, rooted in input from state Farm Bureaus, serves as a guiding framework for all state Farm Bureau organizations across the country. With this new policy, state Farm Bureaus now endorse solar projects that incorporate shared agricultural use, such as pollinator-friendly solar, grazing opportunities, or crop co-location. This alignment with innovative agrivoltaic practices ensures that renewable energy projects are developed in harmony with the land's historical agricultural purpose.

A Vision for Rural Growth and Renewable Energy 
Agrivoltaics—the co-use of land for both solar energy and agriculture—offers a win-win solution to two pressing challenges of today's world. By integrating solar arrays with farming operations, these projects create additional revenue streams for farmers, enhance land use efficiency, and strengthen rural economies which are the backbone of our country.

SAFA applauds the Farm Bureau for its leadership in supporting agrivoltaics, which underscores the critical balance between renewable energy expansion and farmland preservation. SAFA particularly commends the Illinois and Indiana Farm Bureaus and their local members for bringing agrivoltaics to the national organization. Grassroots action by dedicated farmers like Matt Riggs of Champaign County, IL, who partnered with the Illinois Farm Bureau to adopt the supportive policy, confirms the strong organic interest in this common-sense solution. 

"I see agrivoltaics as a way to deliver reliable, superior profitability to farming operations of all sizes. Adding another income stream to a farm is more important than ever, given the current down cycle in grain markets. Agrivoltaics could be this generation's best tool for ensuring family farmers' independence and survival," Mr. Riggs said.

Advancing Rural Partnerships 
This decision is more than just a policy update—it's a call to action. SAFA looks forward to building coalitions with farming communities, solar developers, land grant universities and policymakers to implement this vision across the country. Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen rural America by combining agricultural stewardship with renewable energy innovation.

"America's farmland is one of our most valuable resources, and this policy ensures that farmers have a seat at the clean energy table," added Mike Marsch, Chief Development Officer at BlueWave and SAFA co-founder. "Investing in agrivoltaics is an investment in rural livelihoods and a secure future for generations to come."

SAFA congratulates the American Farm Bureau Federation and all state Farm Bureaus on this farmer-centered step. By prioritizing cooperation between America's farmers and the solar industry, this policy sets the stage for a future where clean, independent energy coexists with vibrant, productive agricultural landscapes.

For more information about SAFA and agrivoltaics, visit www.solarandfarming.org 

The Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) supports rural farming families and economies. The ITC credits support strong farms, and strong farms create jobs and opportunities in rural America. Call your U.S. representative and Senator and tell them to preserve the ITC to secure the billions of dollars already supporting rural economic development. Find U.S. Senators by state here. Find state representatives here.

About the Solar and Farming Association (SAFA): 
The Solar and Farming Association is dedicated to advancing the integration of solar energy with sustainable agricultural practices. By fostering partnerships and promoting innovative agrivoltaics solutions, SAFA seeks to create a brighter and more resilient future for both farming communities and renewable energy stakeholders.

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SOURCE Solar and Farming Association