By Jamie Martin
USDA announced a policy shift designed to keep productive soils in farming and reduce pressures that make land harder to access.
“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. One of the largest barriers of entry for new and young farmers is access to land. Subsidized solar farms have made it more difficult for farmers to access farmland by making it more expensive and less available,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “We are no longer allowing businesses to use your taxpayer dollars to fund solar projects on prime American farmland, and we will no longer allow solar panels manufactured by foreign adversaries to be used in our USDA-funded projects.”
The context is significant. Tennessee has lost more than 1.2 million acres of farmland in thirty years and may lose 2 million acres by 2027. Across the country, solar installations on farmland have increased by nearly 50 percent since 2012. Supporters of the change argue that subsidized utility-scale projects can bid up rents, reduce availability for new and beginning farmers, and alter long-standing rural landscapes.
USDA detailed immediate adjustments to Rural Development programs. The Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program will no longer finance wind or solar projects. Under the Rural Energy for America Program Guaranteed Loan Program, on-farm systems must be right-sized to match documented energy needs. Ground-mount solar photovoltaic systems larger than 50 kilowatts, or systems lacking historical energy-use records, will not be eligible. In addition, priority points will no longer be awarded for REAP grants.
Officials emphasized that the steps do not prohibit energy efficiency or appropriately scaled on-site renewable uses. Instead, the policy directs investments toward agriculture’s core mission—growing food, feed, and fiber—while strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains for any allowed equipment. Leaders also framed farmland as a strategic resource tied to national security and community well-being.
Producers interested in REAP or other assistance should review forthcoming guidance and consult local USDA offices to verify eligibility and documentation requirements. The department said it will continue listening to farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses as the changes are implemented to ensure programs remain practical, transparent, and accountable. By narrowing subsidies and setting size limits, USDA aims to reduce market distortions, encourage efficient energy choices, and prioritize farmland stewardship. USDA will monitor outcomes and adjust guidance to support rural resilience nationwide.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: National