AFT and Jordan Energy team up to promote farmer-first solar use
American Farmland Trust (AFT) has partnered with Jordan Energy to promote Smart SolarSM principles, a farmer-first approach to expanding solar energy while preserving valuable farmland. This collaboration aims to help farms remain productive by integrating clean energy in ways that support long-term agricultural viability.
As demand for renewable energy increases, more than 80% of U.S. solar projects are being considered for agricultural land. In response, AFT launched the Smart Solar Initiative in 2021 to guide smart solar siting. The program provides research, policy suggestions, and direct engagement with farmers, developers, and decision-makers.
"Jordan Energy & Food Enterprises is thrilled to be partnered with American Farmland Trust,” said Bill Jordan, the company's founder and CEO. "Our primary core value is to develop solar + storage projects in ways that strengthen family farms. Except in the case of agrivoltaics, avoiding the use of prime farmland for solar is another core value we share with AFT. For over 16 years, we have seen how solar and storage have been an intelligent diversification for so many of our farm partners. Farmers of today and tomorrow are and will be producing both nutritious food and clean energy."
Smart Solar promotes the use of agrivoltaics—combining solar energy production with crop growing or livestock grazing. Research has shown agrivoltaics can conserve water, protect crops from extreme weather, and increase farm incomes. This strategy helps farms produce both food and energy, contributing to both local sustainability and energy resilience.
“There has never been a more important time to help producers manage rising energy costs through farmer-centered solar designed to support and enhance the viability of farms and agricultural businesses. We look forward to working with Jordan Energy to expand the use of agrivoltaics in solar development,” said Ethan Winter, AFT’s National Smart Solar Director. “This is another step forward in our goal to support renewable energy and help America’s farms and ranches thrive.”
With this partnership, AFT and Jordan Energy will work together to make renewable energy more accessible for farmers while ensuring that farmland remains protected and productive.
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