EU Farming Strategy recognises the role of solar for the first time

Today the European Commission published its ‘A Vision for Agriculture and Food’. This document presents a pathway for more competitive, attractive, and fair EU farming and food sector. For the first time in such a document, the EU recognises the role of solar PV in enhancing energy security, decarbonising the sector and supplementing farmers' income. 

SolarPower Europe has issued the following statement in reaction. 

Lina Dubina, Policy Advisor at SolarPower Europe (she/her) said: 

“This is a landmark moment – the European Commission explicitly recognises solar as a complementary tool for agriculture, providing energy security, decreasing GHG emissions, and – critically - offering farmers additional revenue streams.

Agrisolar – combining solar and agriculture – is a proven concept across Europe, with over 200 projects operating today. This solar integration boosts climate resilience by providing moveable shade, reducing water use, regenerating soil, as well as shielding crops and livestock from extreme heat. A transition to regenerative agriculture, combined with suitable solar installation, can lead to profit increases of up to €235,000 annually. 

The Commission should now turn this Vision into action. We ask for concrete amendments to the EU Common Agriculture Policy as well as dedicated guidance to better inform Member States and spread the benefits of Agrisolar to many more farmers and rural economies across Europe.” 

Notes

• SolarPower Europe’s interactive Agrisolar Map identifies over 200 agrisolar projects in Europe, exceeding 2.8 GW of capacity.
• Agrisolar Best Practice Guidelines v2.0 highlights findings of agrisolar supporting its local environment; improved water efficiency by 20-30%, increase soil carbon storage by up to 80%, and increased pollinator presence by up to 60%.
• A 2024 joint study from the Boston Consulting Group and BayWa r.e. reveals that regenerative agriculture and Agrisolar can yield additional profits of up to €17,000 for small farms, and €235,000 for large farms. 
• Discover the dedicated Agrisolar web platform here.

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