Solar & Ag: What You Need to Know

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Solar development on agricultural lands is becoming more common in Cayuga County. To address some of the critical issues surrounding this practice, Finger Lakes farmers and landowners are invited to an educational workshop titled “Solar and Ag in Cayuga County: What You Need to Know,” hosted by Cayuga County Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cayuga County Farm Bureau.

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, November 13th from 9:30am-2:30pm at Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin Street, Student Lounge room M214, Auburn NY 13021. This program is designed to provide farmers and landowners with information on important issues regarding solar development on agricultural lands, especially things to know when leasing land to solar companies. Registration is required; the workshop fee is $15.00 and includes lunch.

“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,” he added.

Check-in/registration begins at 9:30am with coffee and donuts. Presentations begin at 10:00am with:

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."

For more information, or to request an accommodation to attend, please contact CCE Environment/Natural Resources Educator Ryan Staychock at (585) 694-0305 or email ryan.staychock@cornell.edu.