Doral Renewables LLC and American Farmland Trust (AFT) have announced a long-term partnership to promote innovation and sustainability in farming communities through support for AFT’s Smart Solar initiative. The collaboration aims to align the growth of solar energy with the protection and viability of U.S. agricultural lands.
Meeting the nation’s renewable energy targets by 2050 will require more than 10 million acres of land, with an estimated 80 percent of that development expected to take place on agricultural property. The partnership between Doral and AFT recognizes both the challenges and opportunities presented by this shift. By integrating AFT’s Smart Solar principles into project planning, the two organizations aim to ensure that solar development contributes to long-term farm viability while supporting clean energy goals.
Smart Solar is built around three core objectives: safeguarding land well-suited for agriculture, strengthening farm viability, and accelerating responsible solar energy development. AFT, a national nonprofit focused on protecting farmland and supporting sound farming practices, is a recognized leader in advancing agricultural compatibility in renewable energy deployment.
Through this collaboration, Doral and AFT will explore and promote solar development models that maintain productive agricultural use, benefit farm families, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
“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,” said Ed Baptista, Vice President of Development and Agrivoltaics. “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.”
“American Farmland Trust’s partnership with Doral Renewables is an exciting step forward with an industry leader with a significant presence nationwide,” said Ethan Winter, AFT’s National Smart Solar Director. “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”
