Ep 049: OCWGA's Stance on Solar

On this episode of Kernels, we are tackling a controversial issue: solar panels on farmland. Luke Crumley, Director of Public Policy & Sustainability, and Owen Niese, a Richland County farmer, talk about the process and potential impacts of a policy stance like this. Solar generation facilities have been popping up all over rural Ohio. We have been hearing from farmers from all sides of the issue, and knew that we had to take a stand. In June of 2023 a small group was formed of farmers with varying perspectives. Their task was to work together to create a proposed policy on the issue. The group, led by Owen Niese, drafted a policy statement, which the entire OCWGA Board of Directors adopted on November 30, 2023. Read the policy in its entirety here: https://ohiocornandwheat.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023.11.30-FINAL-Solar-Strike-Team-Policy-Recommendation-distribution-UPDATED-2.pdf   About Ohio Corn & Wheat Ohio Corn & Wheat works to create opportunities for long-term Ohio corn and small grain grower profitability. It is a strategic alliance of two checkoffs and one membership-based organization. The Ohio Corn Checkoff and Ohio Small Grains Checkoff work to develop and expand markets, fund research and provide education about corn and wheat, respectively. The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association is a membership organization advocating for supportive public policy on behalf of its farmer members.  For more information, visit ohiocornandwheat.org.