The agriculture and conservation organization American Farmland Trust (AFT) and solar energy company Sol Systems launched an initiative to advance the emerging agrivoltaics field through perennial agriculture by incorporating commercial Kernza® perennial grain production. This innovative project seeks to combine solar energy and agricultural production to support the long-term health of soils and natural resources through efficient, dual-purpose land use. In collaboration with local partners, groups involved in this project will gather technical and economic data surrounding Kernza production for both grain and animal forage to advance the understanding of perennial grain production in new practical applications on landscapes.
“We’re excited to collaborate with AFT and Sol Systems on this innovative agrivoltaics initiative to advance perennial grain agriculture at a meaningful scale. By integrating Kernza into this project, we have an opportunity to generate valuable insights into its economic, ecological, and food system benefits. Expanding the application of perennial grains in real-world conditions will help us better understand their potential for farmers and communities alike.” — Tessa Peters, Director of Strategy at The Land Institute