By Jamie Martin
American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Jordan Energy are joining forces to expand Smart SolarSM practices that support renewable energy and farm sustainability. This collaboration aims to help farmers access affordable solar solutions while protecting high-quality farmland from permanent development.
With over 80% of solar projects potentially impacting agricultural land, AFT’s Smart Solar Initiative, launched in 2021, seeks to guide energy development that enhances—not threatens—farmland viability. It focuses on offering research, policy strategies, and direct support to landowners, developers, and policymakers.
"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."
The partnership promotes agrivoltaics, which integrates solar panels with crop production or livestock grazing. This approach has proven benefits like conserving water, shielding crops from weather extremes, and raising farm incomes. It allows farms to generate both food and clean power.
“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.”
Together, AFT and Jordan Energy plan to expand on-farm energy applications and increase awareness of solar options tailored for agricultural producers. Their work aligns with national efforts to reduce emissions, support family farms, and maintain a resilient food supply.
This collaboration demonstrates how renewable energy and farming can work hand in hand to secure a brighter and more sustainable future for agriculture.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: National