Former head of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), Minette Batters, has called on the next Government to stop the spread of solar farms across the countryside.
She said that whilst solar farms are tempting prospects for landowners due to the financial benefit, many local communities oppose them.
Whilst speaking at Hay Literary Festival, she pointed out that there was a trend for wealthy investors buying large areas of the countryside for solar farms, and in the process displacing tenant farmers. With many solar farms being built as dairy and arable farming face an uncertain future.
Batters said the Government should look to implement a new land strategy that would protect traditional farming and its economic value.
Solar Energy UK, Chief Executive Chris Hewett commented: “Minette Batters is no longer the head of the NFU and she is now expressing her personal opinion. There is clear planning policy which Ministers have recently reiterated, setting out the balance of priorities for the nation. Solar farms support the rural economy, and integrate with agriculture. They create no threat to food security.”
