Latest news with #AmericanFarmlandTrust
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Doral Renewables Partners with American Farmland Trust to Expand Smart Solar℠ Initiative
PHILADELPHIA, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Doral Renewables LLC (Doral) and American Farmland Trust (AFT) are proud to announce a long-term partnership to advance innovation and sustainability for farming communities across the nation through support for AFT's Smart Solar initiative. More than 10 million acres of land will be needed to meet America's renewable energy goals by 2050, with 80% of this development slated to occur on agricultural lands. At the same time, solar development can create opportunities for farm families to build generational viability and keep land in agriculture. AFT, a national non-profit organization that focuses on protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land, is a national leader in agriculturally compatible solar development. Through this partnership, AFT and Doral seek to further solutions that help build long-term farm viability while scaling up domestic energy generation. AFT's Smart Solar principles will help guide this work, which seeks to accomplish three equally important goals: (1) safeguard land well-suited for agriculture, (2) strengthen farm viability, and (3) accelerate solar energy development. "Since day one, Doral Renewables' number one principle was to ensure long-term commitment to supporting farmers and communities nationwide by providing farmer-friendly energy development that maximizes their land-use, diversifies their revenue stream, drives economic development and allowing them to return to heritage farming practices by focusing on food production in their farms," said Ed Baptista, Vice President of Development and Agrivoltaics. "Partnering with AFT only seemed like a natural step forward as we scale up our dual-use operations across our development pipeline and continue our efforts to support farmers in their quest to make the most out of their farming land and strengthen farm viability while advancing affordable and sustainable energy solutions." Agrivoltaics, the intentional combination of agriculture and solar energy generation on the same piece of land for the life of a project, can be an important method for solar sites to continue producing food and fiber while improving soil carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Through the duration of the partnership, AFT will advise Doral on their Smart Solar principles, including the implementation of agrivoltaics systems and best practices for engaging with agricultural communities. "American Farmland Trust's partnership with Doral Renewables is an exciting step forward with an industry leader with a significant presence nationwide," said Ethan Winter, AFT's National Smart Solar Director. "America needs renewable energy and productive, resilient farms and ranches. Partnerships such as these are crucial for investing in the future of agrivoltaics and long-term farm viability" Doral and AFT are excited to work together to continue building networks that will help allow solar energy and agriculture to thrive together for the benefit of the planet, farmers, and farming communities. About Doral Renewables LLC Doral Renewables is a Philadelphia-based developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy assets throughout the United States. Our solar and storage development portfolio comprises nearly 18 GW, which includes 400 MW currently in operation and 950 MW under construction. Doral Renewables operates in 22 states and across seven electricity markets. With a strong focus on community engagement, we aim to integrate agrivoltaics practices throughout our pipeline, creating additional opportunities for farming communities. We have secured over $2.5 billion in long-term wholesale power purchase agreements with U.S. customers. Our global management and leadership team includes the Doral Group (TASE: DORL), Migdal Group (TASE: MGDL), Clean Air Generation, APG, and Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO). Learn more at and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook. For inquiries: ranrabi@ About American Farmland Trust: American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. AFT's Smart Solar℠ Principles guide regional and national work to support farm viability, safeguard agricultural soils and advance solar energy deployment. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Doral Renewables LLC
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers unveil sweeping proposal that could transform farming nationwide: 'These goals are ambitious … but they're achievable'
Federal lawmakers have resurfaced legislation designed to help the United States' agricultural sector reach carbon neutrality by 2040. Commemorating Earth Day, U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine and Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico reintroduced the Agriculture Resilience Act. Endorsed by groups such as American Farmland Trust and the World Wildlife Fund, the bill focuses on six areas that supporters say would make farming more sustainable. "These goals are ambitious — but they're achievable," Pingree said in a statement. "By helping farmers adopt practices that boost resilience and profitability, this bill charts a path to not only create a more sustainable future for America's agriculture sector, but ensure greater economic viability for our farmers as well." The bill's six focus areas include goals like increasing research, protecting farmland, improving soil health, supporting methane management strategies, boosting renewable energy investments, and reducing food waste. "We need to provide our farmers and ranchers with new tools to not only protect their land and way of life, but also be part of the climate solution," Heinrich said. Based on 2022 data, agriculture is responsible for about 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Most of that comes from soil management tasks, such as applying fertilizer and irrigation practices. Another big culprit is methane produced by livestock, particularly cattle. Pingree, a former organic farmer, has previously championed other eco-friendly practices. Last year, as head of the Congressional Slow Fashion Caucus, she urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support the production and processing of sustainable fibers, hoping to replace the environmentally damaging synthetic fibers typically used in fast fashion. Heinrich, meanwhile, was involved in drafting the Inflation Reduction Act, of which he was also a staunch advocate. The act, which became effective in 2022, was written to include over $369 billion in climate provisions. Those included rebates and tax credits for people who implement green upgrades in their homes as well as in their garages by making the switch to an electric vehicle. Pingree previously introduced the ARA in 2020, and the duo first reintroduced it together in 2023. In 2025, the legislation comes onto the scene in a new context, with farmers across the country sharing that federal spending freezes over the last few months have thrown some of their conservation projects into question. Which of these factors is the biggest obstacle preventing you from getting solar panels? The upfront cost The way they look Not sure where to start No concerns here! Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Associated Press
21-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
American Farmland Trust Raising $2 Million for Emergency Resilience Grants for Farmers and Ranchers
'The Emergency Resilience Grants will help farmers and ranchers in the short term and provide stability for the future.'— Ashley Brucker, AFT's senior manager of grantmaking and farm viability. WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, April 21, 2025 / / -- Honoring the nexus of environmental stewardship and agriculture, American Farmland Trust seeks to raise $2 million in total to support its Emergency Resilience Grant program. ERG was formed through generous support from donors and members who came together to help offset the financial disruptions experienced by farming and ranching operations across this nation, primarily due to the loss or delay of government funding. A funding total of $2 million will allow AFT to provide $10,000 to 200 farmers and ranchers. The grants will also support business recovery from the impacts of natural disasters, avian flu and market loss. Corporations, small businesses and individuals interested in donating to the Emergency Resilience Grant program can do so online at Every dollar raised will go directly to a farmer or rancher experiencing hardship -- and will assist them in building more resilient operations that contribute to their role as stewards of the land. The Brighter Future Fund Emergency Resilience Grants will be prioritized for small to mid-size farms and ranches previously experiencing challenges accessing traditional funding. Emergency Resilience Grants are part of AFT's Brighter Future Fund program through which AFT has provided $4.8 million directly to farmers and ranchers since 2020. BFF received corporate support from brands like Domino's, QVT, Applegate and Giant Foods. It grew out of the Farmer Relief Fund AFT instituted early in the pandemic to aid farmers through the severe market and supply chain disruptions. Over 600 awardees nationwide have been assisted under these programs. Funding helps farmers improve farm viability; access, transfer, or permanently protect farmland; or adopt regenerative agricultural practices. 'The Emergency Resilience Grants will help farmers and ranchers in the short term and provide stability for the future,' said Ashley Brucker, AFT's senior manager of grantmaking and farm viability. 'Donating to the Brighter Future Fund Emergency Resilience Grant program is a way to invest in America's farming and ranching communities as they struggle with adjusting to fast-moving financial challenges. These grants prioritize small to mid-size farmers who sell at farmers markets, host field trips and provide food to school and food banks. We are proud to do whatever we can to support them.' 'It's especially meaningful to show our support for farmers during April—Earth Month—as they plant their crops and as we celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. We're proud to partner with AFT on this vital initiative to protect farmers and the land they steward for us all.' Katheen Rogers, President, For decades, AFT stood alongside farmers and ranchers with a 'boots on the ground' approach. AFT helped these pillars of our communities' overcome challenges and plan for their future success. Now, with generous support from donors large and small, together we can empower farmers and ranchers to thrive today and forever. For more information about American Farmland Trust or how to make a gift to the Emergency Resilience Grant Program, please contact Lea Harvey, Vice President of Development, at [email protected]. ### American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms No Food® message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families. About Founded in 1970 by the organizers of the first Earth Day, is the world's largest environmental movement, mobilizing over one billion people annually to protect the planet and its people. This year Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary and has designated this year's Earth Day theme as Our Power, Our Planet. Learn more at For media inquiries, interviews or comment please contact: Sarah Davies, [email protected], +1 240 463 1341 Tom Cosgrove email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Associated Press
10-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Sioux Honey Co-Op's Brands are the First Honey Brands to Earn American Farmland Trust's U.S. Farmed™ Certification
Washington, D.C., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sioux Honey Association Co-op, the gold standard of honey since 1921, and American Farmland Trust, a national nonprofit working to save the land that sustains us, announce the joint launch of U.S. Farmed™ certified honey, a standard for consumer-packaged goods proven to contain at least 95% of ingredients grown in the United States. Sioux Honey Association Co-op's brands Sue Bee® and Aunt Sue's® become the first honey brands in the nation to earn U.S. Farmed™ certification. By choosing U.S. Farmed™ products, consumers can ensure the products they purchase directly benefit the livelihood of American farmers, helping to ensure a vibrant and thriving agricultural sector in America. Funds raised through the certification of each product will benefit American Farmland Trust's work to preserve farmland and keep farmers on the land, both by providing U.S. farmers across all 50 states with free resources and one-on-one expert advisory services, while also expanding AFT's programs to help them to access, protect, and maintain American farmland. 'The U.S. Farmed™ certification is an important milestone in our ongoing dedication to honesty and integrity in our honey,' said Sioux Honey Association Co-op President and CEO Kevin Hueser. 'From the beehive to the household, you can be sure that our honey is harvested and packaged within the United States. Sioux Honey Co-op and AFT commit to increase demand for American-grown products; invest in the future by encouraging domestic production; and help to preserve farmland.' AFT created the standard because America's farmland is under threat. Two thousand acres are paved over, fragmented or converted every day and millions more will be lost by 2040 if these trends continue. Moreover, one-third of the nation's farm and ranch land, 300 million acres, will change hands in the next 20 years as aging farmers exit the field, making the land vulnerable to development. 'U.S. Farmed™ directly supports AFT's mission—to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, keeping farmers on the land, and promoting forward-looking farming practices,' said AFT President and CEO John Piotti. 'Businesses can market their support for U.S. farms by getting certified and proudly placing the U.S. Farmed™ seal on their products. Americans can support farmers by choosing U.S. Farmed™ certified products.' 'We hope consumers and businesses alike will join the movement and help grow our future,' said Piotti. 'Choosing U.S. Farmed™ is not just about a label, it's about investing in the future of American agriculture. It's about growing strong farms, vibrant communities, and delicious food and drinks – all from right here in the USA. Join the movement, choose U.S. Farmed™, and let's cultivate a thriving future.' To become US Farmed™ certified, companies should reach out to AFT to talk about their eligibility for the program, then undergo a third-party audit to ensure their ingredients are at least 95% U.S. grown. Go to to learn more. ### For 100+ years, Sue Bee® and Aunt Sue's® honey has been enjoyed by generation after generation. But you might be wondering, how does a honey company maintain this reputation for that long? It's because Sue Bee® and Aunt Sue's® honey is harvested and produced right here in the U.S., direct from our trusted beekeepers – the fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who have made it their lifelong profession to share sweetness with others. It's because of them we've passed the 100-mile marker. And it's because of them you're guaranteed pure, quality honey in every drop. Sioux Honey Co-op members have been a part for decades – part of families who have passed down the trade for generations – and some have pioneered and started their own bee farms. But all of the members have a passion for producing a pure, quality product that customers can trust. And we're proud to say we know each of our beekeepers by name, because we've learned that's how you produce the best honey for more than a century. American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms No Food® message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families.
