By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) will host a hybrid forum for landowners interested to learn more about the impact of solar projects and foreign ownership of agricultural land.
“Both issues have generated many questions and concerns from TFB members. That’s why we are hosting a forum—to give our members and landowners in Texas the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about these issues affecting agriculture in our state,” TFB President Russell Boening said.
It has been reported that ERCOT received proposals for solar projects that will total 91,000 megawatts of power. It is estimated it takes 4-10 acres of solar panels to generate one megawatt of power.
“These projects have created an economic opportunity for some landowners and communities, but adjacent landowners, as well as tenant farmers and ranchers, are concerned about the negative impact these projects may have,” Boening said.
According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), foreign investors owned 37.6 million acres, which is 2.9% of U.S. agricultural land—both forest and farmland, at the end of 2020.
Texas has the largest amount of foreign-held agricultural land with over 4.7 million acres. Maine has the second largest amount at just over 3.5 million acres, and Alabama comes in third with 1.8 million acres.
“Foreign ownership of Texas’ agricultural land is definitely a concern for farmers and ranchers,” Boening said. “Texas is a big state, and we’re growing. But who’s buying the land?”
Forum details
The Solar Projects & Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land Forum is set for Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m.
The forum will be held in person at the TFB Conference and Training Center in Waco and will also be streamed live via Zoom.
Presenters will provide an overview of solar projects and the agreements being offered to landowners, as well as the Chapter 313 tax abatements used by companies.
Chapter 313 is an economic development program within the state’s tax code allowing taxable property value to be traded for promised job creation. It’s a tool long-used by school districts.
A presentation will cover foreign ownership of agricultural land and state laws restricting it.
“The discussions could help our members create or strengthen TFB policy on both of these topics,” Boening said.
The deadline to register is Sept. 19. Registration is needed for both in-person and virtual attendance.
To register, visit https://txfb.us/solarforum.
For questions, contact TFB Associate Director of Government Affairs Billy Howe at bhowe@txfb.org or 254-751-2208.