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

EXCLUSIVE: 'I want to be a champion for the farming sector' – First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth on his rural reset for Wales

EXCLUSIVE: 'I want to be a champion for the farming sector' – First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth on his rural reset for Wales

In his first sit-down interview since taking office, Wales' First Minister tells Farmers Guardian why he wants to shed the sense that farmers have things ‘done to them’, and what comes next for the Sustainable Farming Scheme

Olivia Midgley
clock 21 July 2026 • 5 min read
Royal Welsh Show: FUW welcomes multiyear budget but urges Gov to offer payment guarantee

Royal Welsh Show: FUW welcomes multiyear budget but urges Gov to offer payment guarantee

President Ian Rickman says farmers still feel barriers to Sustainable Farming Scheme remain

Jane Thynne
clock 21 July 2026 • 3 min read
Wales' First Minister emphasises importance of wildlife control in bovine TB strategy

Wales' First Minister emphasises importance of wildlife control in bovine TB strategy

Speaking at the Royal Welsh Show, Rhun ap Iorwerth said bTB was one of the main, ongoing challenges facing Welsh farm businesses

Olivia Midgley
clock 20 July 2026 • 3 min read