12/29/2022
Harrisburg, PA – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today released guidance for landowners considering solar production on farmland and in rural communities in Pennsylvania. The guidance outlines Wolf Administration support for technologies that create jobs and generate farm income without compromising food and fiber production. Solar energy is climate-smart technology that meets those goals while reducing emissions and helping reduce the negative impacts of climate change.
"Pennsylvania’s farmland is a precious resource for producing food, protecting our environment, and feeding our economy," said Redding. "Solar energy production holds tremendous potential for generating electricity to power farm operations and furthering Pennsylvania’s transition to a clean-energy future. If carefully planned, well-situated and properly maintained, solar production will not compromise or diminish valuable farmland resources, rather it will enhance them."
Issues to guide business decision-making include:
The guidance outlines additional considerations for owners of farmland including the impact solar production would have on the farm’s enrollment in preferential tax programs, preserved farm status, local zoning, environmental permits and conservation plans and other issues.
Complete guidance, including a list of frequently asked questions and additional resources for going solar, can be found on the department website, agriculture.pa.gov.
For more information on climate-smart strategies for government, community leaders, agriculture and other businesses, visit the Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan. Find more information, funding, and other resources for making your farmland more productive and sustainable on the State Conservation Commission’s pages at agriculture.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon Powers – shpowers@pa.gov, 717.603.2056
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