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Solar energy

USDA Withdraws Subsidies for Solar and Wind Energy on Prime Farmland

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a significant move to halt the subsidization of solar and wind energy projects on prime farmland. This decision comes as a response to the growing issue of agricultural land being converted for alternative energy production. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized the importance of preserving prime farmland for agricultural production, citing the impact of solar energy on rural areas and the lack of access to land for new and young farmers as major concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • The USDA will no longer provide subsidies for solar and wind energy projects on productive farmland, with 43% of solar farms and 56% of wind turbines in rural areas installed on land previously used for cropland between 2012 and 2020.
  • In the Midwest, 70% of solar farms and 94% of wind turbines were located on cropland, while in the West, about 60% of solar farms and 69% of wind turbines were located on pasture and rangeland.
  • The Economic Research Service reported that 22% of solar farm sites and 4% of wind turbine sites experienced a change in agricultural land cover after installation, with solar sites more likely to shift out of agricultural production.
  • Subsidized solar farms have made it more difficult for farmers to access farmland, increasing costs and reducing availability.
  • The USDA will prioritize American-manufactured solar panels and wind turbines in USDA-funded projects, eliminating the use of foreign adversaries' products.
  • The decision is seen as a measure to protect food security and national security by preserving prime farmland for agricultural production.

Statistics:

  • 43% of solar farms and 56% of wind turbines in rural areas were installed on land previously used for cropland between 2012 and 2020.
  • 70% of solar farms and 94% of wind turbines in the Midwest were located on cropland.
  • 60% of solar farms and 69% of wind turbines in the West were located on pasture and rangeland.
  • 22% of solar farm sites experienced a change in agricultural land cover after installation.
  • Less than 1% of wind turbine sites experienced a change in agricultural land cover after installation.

Sources:

  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • Economic Research Service
  • One Big Beautiful Bill Act
  • U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska)
  • U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pennsylvania)
  • President Donald Trump

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