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Solar Panels, Farmland, and the Fight to Keep Farming
In a recent interview with AgNet West, Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, expressed serious concerns about the increasing challenges that California farmers are facing. These challenges range from water shortages to the expansion of solar developments on valuable agricultural land.
“You’re absolutely right. That’s what we’re fighting,” Jacobsen remarked when discussing the encroachment of solar panels on farmland. He added, “Ultimately, the end game for some is just to not see us farming or living here anymore.”
Jacobsen underscored the importance of the San Joaquin Valley within the broader context of the nation’s agricultural and security framework. He stated, “A country that can’t feed itself, can’t defend itself,” emphasizing that the unique natural advantages provided by this region are irreplaceable, especially in North America.
Reflecting on past droughts and the pitfalls of relying heavily on foreign imports, Jacobsen highlighted the necessity for the United States to sustain its self-sufficiency in food production. “I’m hopeful that more folks are going to realize what we do here and that there’s going to be more of an effort to make sure that we’re healthy for the long term,” he said.
He referred to California’s farmers and farmworkers as “unsung heroes,” who tirelessly strive to deliver an unparalleled abundance of agricultural products to the nation.
— Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” reporting for AgNet West
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Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/fresno-farm-bureau-ceo-highlights-challenges-facing-california-agriculture-amid-solar-development-on-farmland/
