As farms decline, some landowners consider solar and wind projects

Climate change and economic pressure on agriculture are prompting farmers to evaluate renewable energy development as an alternative use for their land, raising questions about competing land-use priorities.

First covered Sep 4, 2026 · 1:30 AM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

As farms decline, some landowners consider solar and wind projects — Image via grist.org

Coverage

22d Grist As family farms decline and the climate heats up, farmers weigh what to do with their land

Primary sources

farmlandinfo.org Aft Nationwide Land Trust Survey 2022 (farmlandinfo.org)

nass.usda.gov St26 1 047 047 (nass.usda.gov)

nifa.usda.gov Family Farms

More coverage from around the web

ers.usda.gov Agricultural Land Near Solar and Wind Projects Usually Remained in Agriculture After Development | Economic Research Service

newhampshirebulletin.com How wind and solar power helps keep America’s farms alive • New Hampshire Bulletin

canarymedia.com Fear of farmland loss slows solar and wind development | Canary Media

governing.com Renewables Stall in Rural Counties as Land Use Fears Grow

theinvadingsea.com Fear over farmland loss is slowing renewable energy development in rural areas | The Invading Sea

Appeared in: 2026-09-04 (#17) · 2026-09-05 (#19)

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