News
New group helps farmers with renewable energy development
A new organization has been formed to help farmers and ranchers with existing or future solar and wind energy projects.
Jeff Risley is the Executive Director for the Renewable Energy Farmers of America. He tells Brownfield the organization is built to help producers working with energy project developers. “What we’re trying to do is help them from that very first touch when a land agent reaches out to them all the way through decommissioning or repowering a project because it is, it kind of takes on a life of its own.”
Risley says the organization can do non-legal lease reviews, helping farmers avoid problems while getting the best deal. “You know, give them an opportunity to share their lease with us and we can guide them on some areas to look at, some things to question. We can go through and do negotiations for them or a group of landowners with developers.”
Risley says many farmers are in unfamiliar territory when considering solar or wind developments because of the complicated leases, permitting, and questions about how the farmer can use land adjacent to the new energy infrastructure. He says the organization can also help farmers and ranchers being approached by utility companies for new transmission lines across the farm.
Producers can find out more or join the Renewable Energy Farmers of America online, here.
AUDIO: Jeff Risley discusses the new Renewable Energy Farmers of America with Brownfield’s Larry Lee.
This sounds like a great resources for farmers and ranchers.