Renewable Energy Initiatives for Farms
Choosing farmland for the location of renewable energy seems like an ideal solution. Recently however, there have been restrictions placed in areas that are considered to be no longer suitable for more wind and solar technology.
According to USDA, solar panels on farmland have increased by nearly 50% nationwide since 2012. Subsidized solar farms are increasingly more difficult for farmers to access due to land that is crowded up with renewable structures. Subsequently, potential farmland has become more expensive and less available. This has caused a significant entry barrier for new farmers to access land.
USDA programs impacted by the announcement include the Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan, which will no longer fund wind and solar projects.
Regardless of restrictions placed in areas that are considered to be crowded with solar panel and windmills, alternative sources are growing, especially windmills.
Benefits of Renewable Sources on Farmland
Indeed, there are obvious benefits with any type of energy that is considered free or renewable, especially on farmlands. Open land spaces used for crops and livestock are often flat and unrestricted by trees and buildings, allowing solar panels and windmills to operate effectively. Nonetheless, open farmland areas are currently being considered by the DOA and DOE as opportunities where wind and sun is abundant.
Biomass
Energy from biomass is also considered an option on farms, as energy can be harvested and sold by a farmer to energy companies, or used on the farm to power tractors, trucks and other farm machinery.
Energy and farming are increasingly integrated through renewable energy adoption (solar, wind, biomass) and agrivoltaics, where crops or livestock share land with solar panels to increase productivity and diversify farm income.
Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics is a practice involving the arranging of crops and livestock to share the same land space for the purpose of optimal agricultural production. Panels are elevated 5-10' feet, allowing crops or grazing to take place beneath them. This can also reduce irrigation needs by creating shade. Basically, agrivoltaics combines solar systems with agriculture on the same land, and is also known as "dual-use solar."
Exploring methods that effectively optimize both energy and agricultural production is currently in the research phase by multiple government agencies.
Types of Renewable Energy on Farms
Green Cleaning on Farms
Green, organic cleaning can be used to safley clean pens, stalls, cages, vehicles and trailers used for animal transport. This method is used to clean and disinfect them between uses and before leaving or returning to a farm. The same applies to the heavy farm machinery used in animal areas, such as tractors or skid steers.
Many large agricultural operations hire dedicated janitors, sanitation workers, or cleaning crews to perform daily cleaning duties. Small family farms sometimes have farmhands performing janitorial duties during shift work, but larger facilities require a specialized staff to regularly manage the cleaning regulations.
Prohibited Cleaning Substances For Organic Farms
Certain cleaning and disinfection substances are prohibited on USDA-certified organic and alternative farms. The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances determines what is prohibited and what is allowed on certified organic livestock farms. Generally, it allows the the use of natural substances and prohibits the use of synthetic substances on USDA-certified organic farms.
All products used on USDA-certified organic farms, including those used for cleaning and disinfection, must be approved by the organic certifier and listed in the farm owners Organic Systems Plan (OSP). The producer (farm owner or manager) is responsible for creating, submitting, and implementing an Organic System Plan (OSP). The OSP serves as a contract between the operator and their certifying entity, and it's required for all operations seeking organic certification.
