News release

Farm advocacy groups release guide for farmers on solar, wind energy installations

May 1, 2019

Many farmers have been asking questions about installations of large-scale solar and wind energy developments on their land. The contracts and materials presented to them by developers contain several legal provisions to navigate.

That’s why Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) and the St. Paul-based Farmers’ Legal Action Group (FLAG) have partnered to create the Farmers’ Guide to Solar and Wind Energy in Minnesota, a resource for farmers considering large-scale solar and wind installations on their land.

“Solar and wind energy can be great value additions to some family farms, especially in a time of low farm income,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “We worked on this guide to help farmers get the information they need about these energy projects.”

“FLAG is proud to have partnered with MFU to create this Farmers’ Guide to Solar and Wind Energy in Minnesota,” said FLAG Executive Director Scott Carlson. “The 32-page guide is intended as a starting point for farmers who are considering large-scale solar or wind projects. Farmers, farm advocates, farm attorneys and others are welcome to consult, download, print or share the guide at no cost.

“If you have any legal questions about solar or wind energy developments, please do not hesitate to contact FLAG’s attorneys.”

The guide is available at https://www.mfu.org/farmers-guide-to-solar-and-wind/ or http://www.flaginc.org/2019/04/farmers-guide-to-solar-and-wind-energy-in-minnesota/ to print as a PDF at no cost, or to purchase a hard copy from the publisher at http://www.lulu.com/shop/farmers-legal-action-group-inc-flag/farmers-guide-to-solar-and-wind-energy-in-minnesota/paperback/product-24118518.html.

MFU has copies available for pickup at their State Office as well, free to MFU members.

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Minnesota Farmers Union is an organization that works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities. www.mfu.org

Farmers’ Legal Action group is a nonprofit law center dedicated to providing legal services and support to family farmers and their communities in order to help keep family farmers on the land. www.flaginc.org