With solar farms becoming more common in Cayuga County, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County and the Cayuga County Farm Bureau will hold a workshop on the relationship between solar and agriculture next month.
“It’s important for every Cayuga County farmer, each one of us, to understand the ins and outs of solar development,” said Tad Patterson, Vice President of Cayuga County Farm Bureau. “The last thing we want is for any farmer in Cayuga County to sign their name on a contract without knowing the entire story around solar development and leasing land for solar energy.”
Solar and Ag in Cayuga County: What You Need to Know will take place on Wednesday, November 13, at Cayuga Community College’s student lounge from 9:30a-2:30p. The program will inform farmers and landowners on the important issues regarding solar development on agricultural lands, including when leasing land to solar companies.
Presentations include:
- Senior Extension Associate David Kay, from the Department of Global Development in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, discussing “Utility Scale Solar Development in NYS: Some Basics.”
- American Farmland Trust New York Regional Director Linda Garrett, presenting “Solar as an AG Viability Tool.”
- Matt Sousa, Senior Planning Associate for MRB Group will talk about “Solar Energy System Application Reviews and Process.”
- Simon Honig, Esq., Associate Attorney at Colligan Law LLP presenting “What Farmers Need To Know About Solar Leases.“
Registration is required for the event and there is a $15 fee which includes coffee, doughnuts, and lunch. Registration can be done on CCE’s website.
For more information, CCE Environment/Natural Resources Educator Ryan Staychock can be reached at (585) 694-0305 or via email at [email protected].
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