US puts the brakes on solar projects being built on prime farmland

USDA said it will no longer support foreign subsidised solar farms from taking over prime agricultural land, having argued that it has made it more difficult for farmers to access land. Will UK Gov now follow suit?

Chris Brayford
clock • 6 min read
"Our prime farmland should not be wasted and replaced with green new deal subsidized solar panels. It has been disheartening to see our beautiful farmland displaced by solar projects, especially in rural areas that have strong agricultural heritage."
Image:

"Our prime farmland should not be wasted and replaced with green new deal subsidized solar panels. It has been disheartening to see our beautiful farmland displaced by solar projects, especially in rural areas that have strong agricultural heritage."

US President Donald Trump has told farmers that he will no longer support solar projects being built on prime agricultural land in a bid to strengthen the nation's food security and to prioritise food...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Farm Business

Egg industry responds to Sainsbury's white shell swap

Egg industry responds to Sainsbury's white shell swap

Supermarket says switch will help net zero goals and meet nutritional standards

Jane Thynne
clock 06 June 2026 • 2 min read
Farming Matters – Clemmie Gleeson: "Leadership starts with values and the confidence to stand by what you believe"

Farming Matters – Clemmie Gleeson: "Leadership starts with values and the confidence to stand by what you believe"

Head of communications for the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) Clemmie Gleeson shares her views on leadership and how Government could take more of a lead on issues such as precision breeding and SPS regulations

Clemmie Gleeson
clock 06 June 2026 • 3 min read
UK trade opportunities with EU and US highlighted at export conference

UK trade opportunities with EU and US highlighted at export conference

AHDB’s red meat export conference heard how red meat exports topped £2 billion last year while opportunities continue to grow around the world

Mia Willemsen
clock 05 June 2026 • 2 min read