The newly formed Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA), has been launched to help farmers navigate land leases and renewable energy opportunities just as the Trump administration moves to restrict solar and wind development.
The USDA announced new rules halting funding for solar on farmland and banning the use of Chinese-made panels, while other federal agencies tightened reviews and pulled permits on major renewable projects. These moves have sparked criticism, with opponents arguing that solar is being unfairly blamed for farmland loss, when in reality urban sprawl consumes far more acres each year. The REFA has emphasized that renewable energy can often coexist with farming.
REFA’s mission is to represent farmers’ interests in energy negotiations, providing education and tools to make informed choices while protecting their livelihoods. While the group supports efforts to preserve farmland, it pushes back against policies that disincentivize small- and mid-scale renewable projects, which can lower on-farm energy costs and provide steady income for producers.
Photo Credit: The Texas Farm Bureau
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