In a stunning revelation that challenges long-held assumptions, a new survey has found that a whopping 70% of regional Australians living in renewable energy zones actually support the development of green power projects on local farmland. The groundbreaking findings, released by lobby group Farmers for Climate Action, shed light on a silent majority of farmers who are ready to embrace the renewable energy transition.
Uncovering the Truth: Farmers’ Real Views on Renewables
While anti-renewable voices have grabbed headlines with vocal campaigns and protests, the survey paints a very different picture on the ground. Surprisingly, support for renewable developments jumps even higher to 73% among those directly connected to the farming industry.
As Natalie Collard, CEO of Farmers for Climate Action explains, “The results show the silent majority of farmers support the renewable transition, despite an increasingly loud campaign by anti-renewable voices.” Only 17% of respondents opposed renewable projects, with a mere 8% strongly against.
Addressing Farmers’ Key Concerns
The survey, which included a poll of 1,000 people and focus groups with 19 farmers, revealed that both supporters and detractors of renewables share common concerns. These include potential impacts on ongoing land use for agriculture, decommissioning costs, and distrust of developers.
We know that a lot of developers are already acting to a high standard. They are not the ones that are letting the sector down.
– Natalie Collard, CEO of Farmers for Climate Action
Collard believes most of these issues can be resolved through government-mandated national standards for developer conduct, including clear decommissioning guidelines and improved community consultation. Giving farmers a voice in project design could also allay land use worries, the survey found.
The Allure of “Drought-Proofing” Income
For many farmers, hosting a renewable energy project offers a tantalizing opportunity to “drought-proof” their business with steady, reliable income. Renting land to solar or wind farms can generate around $40,000 per turbine annually or $1,200 per hectare – a lifeline during tough agricultural periods.
The biggest benefit would be a constant source of income regardless of seasonal conditions and livestock prices. This is very important to me, particularly given the current returns in agriculture.
– Survey respondent, livestock and cropping farmer from NSW
According to analysis by the Clean Energy Council, large-scale wind and solar projects could deliver a staggering $11.7 billion to farmers in landholder payments by 2050. For many, it’s an economic opportunity too good to pass up.
Battling a Vocal Minority
Despite the survey’s eye-opening findings, anti-renewable campaigners have marched on Canberra and held packed town halls across NSW and Queensland. Backed by National party politicians, they’ve pushed for caps on renewable investment.
The Nats want to take away farmers’ rights to host renewables & make money off their own land! It’s unbelievable hypocrisy. #auspol
— Angry Farmer (@AngryFarmer3) November 24, 2024
“It’s incredible to me that there are some voices in agriculture that are prepared to take away choice from farmers who want to host renewables and make money from it,” Collard said. “That’s something I have never seen in Australian agriculture before and I am just shocked that it’s not held to account.”
The Path Forward
As the battle over renewables on farmland heats up, the survey makes one thing abundantly clear – the oft-cited farmer backlash against clean energy is far from the full story. While legitimate concerns remain, a silent majority of Aussie farmers are ready and willing to play a crucial role in the country’s transition to a greener future.
With billions in potential income on the line and the pressing need to combat climate change, striking the right balance between agriculture and renewable development has never been more critical. The survey opens the door for a more nuanced, productive conversation to find common ground.
One thing is certain – as Australia navigates its energy crossroads, the farmers on the frontlines will help determine which path we take. And if this groundbreaking survey is any indication, the winds of change may already be blowing across the nation’s sunburnt fields.
