(SBA) - Freedom has fueled generations of farmers, allowing them to change their practices to fit their family needs.
A relatively new farming option is to host renewable energy projects like wind or solar, which provide direct financial benefits while allowing the surrounding land to still be used for agriculture.
But, in some areas of Iowa, the ability to host renewable energy projects has been prohibited or limited by restrictive zoning regulations. As of June 2024, officials in 18 Iowa counties have passed moratorium policies or set significant restrictions to make wind and solar development undesirable. Limiting development brings up a critical question facing agriculture today: Can independent farmers survive the growing opposition to an industry that is vital to the future of rural communities?
Farmers take great pride in understanding the delicate balance of nature, striving for sustainable practices, and making their own decisions. Local government restrictions, often grounded in misconceptions, limit farmers’ freedom.
Innovations like agrisolar systems allow for solar energy production and agricultural activities on the same land. Crops can be grown between or under solar panels, optimizing food production for farmers and maximizing solar energy production.
Leasing land for solar development not only provides farmers with a valuable source of income but also allows them to diversify their operations, invest in improvements, and purchase more land. Additionally, the development of solar farms creates jobs in construction, maintenance, and related industries, boosting rural communities and the state economy.
Public officials need to be well informed by studying model ordinances to prevent unintended economic losses. Agrisolar systems offer farmers a chance to embrace innovative agriculture methods while benefiting from renewable energy development. Farmers should be allowed and encouraged to explore renewable energy solutions that benefit both their agricultural operations and their communities.
Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.
