Project Overview
Shale energy leasing in Pennsylvania and nearby states impacted land
used for agriculture in a limited fashion, as most of the follow-up
development occurred below ground. Conversely, grid scale solar leasing,
which is increasingly occurring throughout the mid-Atlantic region, has
the potential to convert significant amounts of surface lands into
energy development. Officials estimate that over 80,000 acres in
Pennsylvania alone will be involved. Farmers on flatter land in
proximity to electrical substations are the prime focus of leasing
agents and are being offered substantial payments to transition their
land to energy production. During the time period of the grant, the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to modify our original project proposal and work plan. In partnership with the West Branch Crop
Management Association, and following a Penn State Extension series of
associated leasing webinars, PSU Extension investigators interviewed 8 landowners in central Pennsylvania, which were or had considered this transition, and wrote a case study on each.. An
in-depth review of leasing documents, financial, and residual
agricultural production outcomes were assessed, looking at solar
leasing as a multi-generational risk management hedge allowing for
sustaining the farming enterprise over the expected 25-year life of
these contracts. Lease
document recommendations and this data were made available in a
collective form for other farms/landowners attempting to understand the
implications of this risk management tool.
Number of Participants: 240
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.