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A referendum on May 5 will decide whether one county will have to overturn its ban on large-scale solar development.

Renewable energy leases offer farmers income opportunities while requiring careful evaluation of long-term land use impacts.

Renewable energy development, like conventional energy, has become a meaningful income source for many rural landowners—but it often comes with complex local debates. Greg Brophy of the Renewable Energy Farmers of America shares his perspective on how wind and solar projects unfold, including the role of state and local policy, landowner rights, permitting, and community engagement.

Through the window of his combine, Wayne Greier watches his teenage son Blake drive a tractor across an empty field, towing a plow into position for another uncertain season of spring planting. Greier would be worrying less if the solar farm he wanted on his land had come to pass. But local officials blocked it in 2023 under an Ohio state law, and Greier — facing a heavy medical debt — had to sell part of his land to stay afloat. The deal that was killed would have brought him about $540,000 in lease payments every year.

Silver mining made Northern Idaho wealthy, but left its mark on people’s health, a similar issue affects folks along New York’s Hudson River and critics claim rural renewable energy eats up farmland, while advocates believe they can co-exist.

This session, Iowa Statehouse leaders are considering legislation that would secure private property rights for Iowa farmers by establishing a state strategy for developing renewable energy projects. As executive director of Renewable Energy Farmers of America, I see this as an important step toward protecting the rights of agricultural landowners.

Rural America is currently at the center of a heated debate over the expansion of renewable energy on agricultural land. While agrivoltaics offers a lifeline to struggling farmers by combining solar panels with livestock grazing, federal policy shifts have slowed progress. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently halted funding for solar projects on “prime farmland,” […]

The Daily Yonder reports fears of farmland loss hinder renewable energy growth in rural areas, despite potential benefits for farmers.

In communities where agriculture is central to local identity and economy, opposition to wind and solar projects is reshaping the pace and location of energy investments.

Renewable Energy Leader Jeff Risely: Finding Compromise with Farmers and NeighborsAs renewable energy projects expand across rural America, many landowners are weighing the benefits of wind and solar leases against concerns from neighbors and local officials. For farmers looking for financial stability in a volatile agricultural economy, the conversation increasingly centers on how to find reasonable compromises that allow development while addressing community concerns.That balancing act is at

When renewable energy developers come knocking on rural doors, farmers often find themselves staring at 40-page leases, unfamiliar terminology, and long-term commitments that could shape their land for decades. For many, the opportunity is exciting and enticing—but also intimidating. That’s exactly why the Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA) was created.

Administration eliminates renewable energy incentives for farms while accelerating artificial intelligence infrastructure development.

Renewable energy projects can help small-scale farmers make ends meet, but some rural residents don’t like changes to the agricultural landscape.

Silver mining made Northern Idaho wealthy, but left its mark on people’s health, a similar issue affects folks along New York’s Hudson River and critics claim rural renewable energy eats up farmland, while advocates believe they can co-exist.

When Chad Raines took over his family’s Texas cotton farm in 2008, he thought the going would be easy. That’s because their first year was relatively

Rural Beacon Initiative Founder and CEO William Barber III Joins Board of Renewable Energy Farmers of America – IssueWire

Renewable Energy Farmers of America shares how “cattlevoltaics” can redefine pasture use

The Trump administration’s attack on renewables could backfire in the next election

The non-profit trade association will help landowners make informed decisions about leasing land for renewable energy projects.

A new association launched this week to help farmers navigate renewable energy projects: the Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA). The farmer-led non

Nearly all utility-scale wind and solar projects are hosted on private farms and ranches. These projects take root in places where families…

Today, Missouri legislators are considering legislation that would eliminate a farmer’s ability to diversify their land through solar energy development. At its core, this debate is about trust: do we trust Missouri farmers to make responsible, forward-looking decisions about their own land, or do we believe the state knows better?

Renewable Energy Farmers of America connects landowners with trusted guidance as they explore complex energy projects.

Renewable Energy Farmers of America shares how “cattlevoltaics” can redefine pasture use

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.

Some farmers might consider putting solar or wind generation on their land but making a deal with the utility or the contractor can become a bad decision if not done properly. Jeff Risley with the new non-profit Renewable Energy Farmers of America has some advice and resources farmers can use on today’s Managing for Profit.

North American Clean Energy magazine is at the forefront of the renewable energy sector, covering the latest developments in a variety of clean, alternative energy sources. Our magazine explores innovations in solar, wind, energy storage, and hydrogen industries.

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From Renewable Energy Farmers of America: renewableenergyfarmers.org As large-scale renewable energy reshapes the rural landscape, a new association is stepping forward to help farmers and ranchers navigate hosting these projects on their land. The Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA) is a farmer-led nonprofit trade organization dedicated to equipping landowners with the knowledge, education and connections theyContinue reading “Renewable Energy Farmers of America Connects Landowners with Trusted Guidance as They Explore Complex Energy Projects ”

Unique right-left partnership launches new campaign showing how restrictive siting rules threaten property rights and rural economies

A new organization has been formed to help farmers and ranchers with existing or future solar and wind energy projects. Jeff Risley is the Executive Director for the Renewable Energy Farmers of America. He tells Brownfield the organization is built to help producers working with energy project developers. “What we’re trying to do is help […]

The non-profit trade association will help landowners make informed decisions about leasing land for renewable energy projects.

Renewable Energy Farmers of America connects farm and ranch landowners with expert advice as they explore complex energy projects.

A new non-profit is looking to help landowners navigate renewable energy projects on their properties, like windmills or solar leases. Leaders say they got their start at the request of farmers.

A new association launched this week to help farmers navigate renewable energy projects: the Renewable Energy Farmers of America. The farmer-led nonprofit organization was started to give landowners the knowledge, education, and connections they need to make decisions about wind and solar farms, high-voltage transmission lines, and battery storage projects.

Renewable Energy Farmers of America is a new organization launched to help farmers deal with lease issues and other challenges related to renewable energy projects such as solar, wind or high-voltage transmission lines. Just as the group got started, the Trump administration started pressing harder on ways to eliminate renewable energy projects such as solar on farm ground.

Farmland owners looking for guidance on renewable energy projects can get assistance from the newly formed national association, Renewable Energy Farmers of America.