Research Reports
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2024
Understanding and Addressing the Impact of Solar Development on Pennsylvania Farmland
August 29, 2024 | Agriculture
Many solar energy developers are seeking to build large utility-scale solar facilities in Pennsylvania. Nineteen such facilities are operating or partially operating in the Commonwealth, and as of late 2023, at least nine additional projects were under construction (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), 2024). Many additional lands have been leased or purchased for the purposes of utility-scale solar development, pending local government approval and permission to interconnect with transmission lines. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the demonstrated and potential economic, social, and physical land-based impacts of utility-scale solar development on farmland, farming practices, and farming communities in Pennsylvania. Based on these findings, the study explores a menu of policy options to mitigate negative impacts and harness the positive outcomes of this development.
Executive Summary
Tags: farming , agriculture , utility-scale solar energy , farmland , sense of place
2022
Analysis of 2017 Census of Agriculture Data
February 21, 2022 | Agriculture
This study examined the agricultural industry in Pennsylvania and provides descriptive profiles of farm operations and farmers, as well as trends in Pennsylvania agriculture.
Executive Summary
Tags: farming , farmers , trends , agriculture
2004
Building on Our Strengths: Workforce Development for the Pennsylvania Dairy Industry
January 01, 2004 | Community and Economic Development
Tags: farming , dairy industry , workforce development
Introducing the Center's new journal, Rural Policy: The Research Bulletin of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.