REFA members don’t navigate renewable energy alone
When you make a decision about your land, you don’t make it lightly. Whether it’s introducing a new forage crop, adding a new irrigation system or signing a lease that could span 40 years, the stakes are high. It’s not just about the bottom line. It’s about your family, your legacy, and the future of your farm or ranch.
That’s why the Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA) exists. Hosting a renewable energy project can bring new income and opportunity, but it can be complicated to navigate. Lease terms, tax questions, long-term risks and operational concerns can all impact your land in ways that are hard to see at the start. REFA was created to make sure you don’t face those decisions alone.
REFA offers a comprehensive suite of professional services tailored for farmers and ranchers. These services are essential because renewable energy projects like solar and wind farms, battery storage systems, and high-voltage transmission lines often involve multi-decade commitments that can affect how you use your land, how your farm operates and how your legacy continues.
Professional Services Designed for Landowners
Through a formal partnership with Pinion LLC, a nationally respected advisory and accounting firm specializing in the food and agriculture industry, REFA provides members with trusted professionals who understand both the renewable energy landscape and ag operations. Here’s how REFA supports its members:
- Lease services: Members have access to experienced advisors to review contracts and negotiate lease terms that protect landowner rights now and in the future.
- Financial advisory: Strategic consultants provide support in financial planning, including cash flow projections, operational budgeting and estate planning. They help members assess the trade-offs involved in changing how acreage is used.
- Farm management: Agricultural business consultants assist with risk management, business planning and insurance considerations related to renewable energy infrastructure.
- Tax and accounting: Hosting a project often changes a farm’s tax picture. REFA members are connected to guidance on how lease payments are taxed, how depreciation and deductions apply, and how to prepare for estate and inheritance tax implications.
Why These Services Matter
Hosting a solar or wind energy project on farmland is a significant long-term decision that brings both opportunity and complexity. These projects often involve multi-decade lease agreements, infrastructure commitments and operational considerations that go far beyond the day-to-day knowledge of traditional farming. Without expert guidance, it’s easy to overlook how a lease might limit future agricultural use, shift financial obligations or reduce flexibility for the next generation.
REFA’s professional services help landowners plan wisely and protect what matters most. Advisors bring clarity to the process and confidence to your decisions. Whether you are exploring your options or already in discussions with a developer, these services ensure you can make choices that align with your goals and values.
Make Informed Decisions About Your Land’s Future
Your land deserves more than a handshake and a promise. REFA provides the guidance, tools and professional connections needed to navigate renewable energy development with confidence. If you are asking questions like “Is leasing farmland for solar worth it?” or “What are the tax implications of wind turbine lease payments?”, REFA offers access to clear, trustworthy answers. Join REFA today and take the first step toward protecting your land, strengthening your financial future and preserving your legacy.
