Agrivoltaics gains US support as AFBF updates policy for solar farming

The American Farm Bureau Federation updated its policy to support agrivoltaics, ensuring farmland remains productive while expanding solar energy projects.

By Karthik Srivasthav G 15 Feb 2025 in Policy America Bytes

New Update

The new AFBF policy supports agrivoltaic projects with grazing, pollinator habitats, and crop co-location on farmland. Image Source: Solar and Farming

The Solar and Farming Association (SAFA), headquartered in Washington, announced a major policy milestone for agrivoltaics at the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) convention in San Antonio, Texas, on January 28. Delegates voted to prioritize solar projects with shared agricultural use in the AFBF policy book, supporting solar expansion while keeping farmland productive. The policy now endorses agrivoltaic projects incorporating pollinator-friendly habitats, grazing, and crop co-location. SAFA commended the Illinois and Indiana Farm Bureaus for elevating agrivoltaics to the national level. Farmers, including Matt Riggs of Champaign County, IL, emphasized agrivoltaics as a profitable land-use solution. SAFA aims to collaborate with farmers, developers, land grant universities, and policymakers to expand agrivoltaics. Mike Marsch of BlueWave, a SAFA co-founder, stressed the importance of ensuring farmers benefit from renewable energy adoption in rural areas.

#Agrivoltaics #SolarFarming #USPolicy #SAFA #AFBF

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