Smart Solar initiative to aid farming communities
A new long-term partnership between Doral Renewables LLC and American Farmland Trust (AFT) aims to improve innovation and sustainability in farming communities across the United States. Through support for AFT’s Smart Solar initiative, the partnership will seek to further solutions that help build long-term farm viability while scaling up domestic energy generation.
The Smart Solar principles will help guide this work, which endeavors to accomplish three main goals:
- Safeguard land well-suited for agriculture.
- Strengthen farm viability.
- Accelerate solar energy development.
More than 10 million acres of land will be needed to meet U.S. renewable energy goals by 2050, with 80% of this development slated to occur on agricultural lands. At the same time, solar development can create opportunities for farm families to build generational viability and keep land in agriculture. AFT, a national non-profit organization that focuses on protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land, is a national leader in agriculturally compatible solar development.
“Since Day 1, Doral Renewables’ No. 1 principle was to ensure long-term commitment to supporting farmers and communities nationwide by providing farmer-friendly energy development that maximizes their land-use, diversifies their revenue stream, drives economic development and allowing them to return to heritage farming practices by focusing on food production in their farms,” said Ed Baptista, VP of development and agrivoltaics at Doral. “Partnering with AFT only seemed like a natural step forward as we scale up our dual-use operations across our development pipeline and continue our efforts to support farmers in their quest to make the most out of their farming land and strengthen farm viability while advancing affordable and sustainable energy solutions.”
Agrivoltaics, the intentional combination of agriculture and solar energy generation on the same piece of land for the life of a project, can be an important method for solar sites to continue producing food and fiber while improving soil carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water quality and wildlife habitat. Through the duration of the partnership, AFT will advise Doral on the Smart Solar principles, including the implementation of agrivoltaics systems and best practices for engaging with agricultural communities.
“America needs renewable energy and productive, resilient farms and ranches,” said Ethan Winter, AFT’s national Smart Solar director. “Partnerships such as these are crucial for investing in the future of agrivoltaics and long-term farm viability”
