Doral Renewables LLC (Doral) and American Farmland Trust (AFT) have announced a long-term partnership aimed at promoting innovation and sustainability within farming communities across the United States through support for AFT’s Smart Solar initiative. With the country projected to require more than 10 million acres of land for renewable energy development by 2050—and the majority of this growth expected to take place on agricultural land—this partnership recognizes both the challenges and opportunities ahead. Solar development, when done thoughtfully, can help farm families maintain generational ownership of their land and keep it in productive use.
AFT, a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting farmland, promoting sustainable farming practices, and supporting farmers, is a recognized leader in advancing solar development that is compatible with agriculture. The collaboration between Doral and AFT is focused on integrating solar energy in ways that preserve farmland, improve farm viability, and scale up renewable energy production. AFT’s Smart Solar principles will guide this work by emphasizing three core goals: protecting high-quality agricultural land, strengthening long-term farm viability, and accelerating the deployment of solar energy.
Ed Baptista, Vice President of Development and Agrivoltaics, stated, “Since day one, Doral Renewables’ number one principle was to ensure long-term commitment to supporting farmers and communities nationwide by providing farmer-friendly energy development that maximizes their land-use, diversifies their revenue stream, drives economic development and allowing them to return to heritage farming practices by focusing on food production in their farms. Partnering with AFT only seemed like a natural step forward as we scale up our dual-use operations across our development pipeline and continue our efforts to support farmers in their quest to make the most out of their farming land and strengthen farm viability while advancing affordable and sustainable energy solutions.”
Ethan Winter, AFT’s National Smart Solar Director, mentioned, “American Farmland Trust’s partnership with Doral Renewables is an exciting step forward with an industry leader with a significant presence nationwide. America needs renewable energy and productive, resilient farms and ranches. Partnerships such as these are crucial for investing in the future of agrivoltaics and long-term farm viability”
A key component of the partnership will be the use of agrivoltaics—the practice of co-locating solar energy generation and agricultural activities on the same land. Agrivoltaics can allow land to continue producing food and fiber while also enhancing environmental benefits such as soil health, biodiversity, water quality, and habitat for wildlife. Throughout the partnership, AFT will provide guidance on implementing Smart Solar principles, including agrivoltaic systems and strategies for meaningful engagement with farming communities. Together, Doral and AFT aim to create a model where agriculture and solar energy not only coexist, but thrive side by side, supporting farmers, communities, and the environment.
