The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to halt funding for solar panels on productive farmland and will no longer allow the use of solar panels made by foreign adversaries in USDA projects. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) praised this move, stating it aligns with efforts to prioritize food security and support American manufacturing.
“Tennessee farmland should be used to grow the crops that feed our state and country, not to house solar panels made by foreign countries. Secretary Rollins and President Trump are right to put an end to these Green New Deal subsidies that waste taxpayer dollars while threatening America’s food security. I applaud this administration for investing in rural communities across Tennessee and empowering them to prosper for years to come,” said Senator Blackburn.
In addition, the USDA announced nearly $89 million in congressionally-directed investments for 13 rural development projects throughout Tennessee. These initiatives, managed by USDA Rural Development (RD), aim to strengthen partnerships and invest in infrastructure and educational opportunities for rural residents.
Over the past three decades, Tennessee has lost more than 1.2 million acres of farmland, with projections indicating a loss of 2 million acres by 2027. Nationally, the installation of solar panels on farmland has risen by almost 50% since 2012. The USDA’s recent action is expected to address market distortions caused by energy subsidies and builds upon previous legislative changes such as those included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which revised tax credits related to wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources.
USDA Rural Development programs provide loans, grants, and loan guarantees designed to enhance prosperity in rural areas. These efforts include expanding access to high-speed internet, improving electric and transportation infrastructure, supporting business growth, healthcare services, education initiatives, housing solutions, and other essential community needs.
