Food and farms

Solar

‘We’re harvesting the sun’: A huge solar project grows in California

A sweeping plan to build 21 gigawatts of solar plus batteries on 136,000 acres could be a lifeline for Central Valley farmers facing devastating water shortages.

By Jeff St. John . 24 March 2026
Emissions reduction

Will the EU water down its new carbon tariff?

On Jan. 1, the bloc launched its world-first fee on the carbon emissions of imported goods. A European Commission proposal to allow exemptions is drawing ire.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 24 February 2026
Food and farms

Fear of farmland loss slows solar and wind development

Renewable energy projects can help small-scale farmers make ends meet, but some rural residents don’t like changes to the agricultural landscape.

By Claire Carlson . 18 February 2026
Food and farms

Missouri Senate considers bills to halt solar development on farmland

Proposals to stop or rein in large-scale solar projects drew emotional testimony and highlighted growing conflicts over land use and property rights.

By Rudi Keller . 5 February 2026
Solar

Is solar really overrunning farmland? Data in North Carolina says no.

Arrays occupy a “minuscule” share of farmland even though the state is a solar leader, a new study finds — belying claims from the Trump admin and others.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 29 January 2026
Solar

The biggest US solar-storage project yet takes shape in California

Westlands Water District approved 21 gigawatts of solar and batteries on water-parched fields in the Central Valley, giving farmers a way to profit from fallow land.

By Jeff St. John . 12 January 2026
Solar

North Carolina training site pairs sheep grazing with solar

A state university just opened a unique agrivoltaics demo site where sheep farmers and solar developers will learn what it takes to share land.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 16 December 2025
Electrification

This startup’s electric roasters cut carbon and costs from coffee-making

Bellwether produces all-electric, efficient machines that replace gas-burning roasters, giving cafes a sustainable – and affordable – way to roast their own blends.

By Jeff St. John . 16 October 2025
Solar

Can farmland thrive with solar? This Virginia nonprofit is finding out.

The agrivoltaics demonstration project is experimenting with growing crops under solar panels to determine what works and help educate a wary public.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 14 October 2025
Electrification

Electric boats splash down in rural Maine's coastal waters

Battery-powered vessels are catching on in the U.S. and globally as the tech improves. In Maine's Casco Bay, early adopters are using e-boats on oyster farms.

By Julia Tilton, Maria Gallucci . 15 September 2025