A regional workshop on hosting utility and large scale solar farms for farmers, land-owners and municipal officials will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2020, at the Herkimer College Robert McLaughlin College Center Amphitheater (CC 288). Co-sponsored by Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Otsego County Conservation Association, Herkimer College and Cornell Cooperative Extension – Herkimer County, the workshop will help farmers, land owners and municipal officials plan for the development of large, utility-scale solar installations in the Mohawk Valley.
Planned solar developments in Herkimer, Montgomery and Otsego counties are each more than 1,000 acres and will involve many different property owners and towns prior to completion.
The workshop brings together experienced renewable energy professionals in the fields of energy economics, land use planning, leasing law and dual use agricultural practices to give area residents the tools to make informed choices about solar energy developments in their communities. Attendees will learn about the best practices in working with solar developers, how farmers are creating new opportunities through hosting solar installations on their land. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions about land leasing terms and conditions, alternative solar strategies and municipal impacts.
Presenters include representatives of:
- New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
- Cornell University Economics
- New York State Energy Research Development Authority
- Solar Grazers Associations
- Harris Beach PLLC, Attorneys at Law
- St. Lawrence County Planning Office
The workshop is free and open to the public by prior registration. To register, visit bit.ly/SolarEnergyFutureMV or call CCE Herkimer County at 315.866.7920.
Cornell Cooperative Extension – Herkimer County puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and research based solutions together, helping New York state families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.