During a recent government meeting, a local resident voiced strong opposition to a proposed solar development project in Smyrna Township, emphasizing concerns over the conversion of prime agricultural land into industrial use. The speaker, who had initially approached the topic with an open mind, cited the potential negative impact on local agriculture, particularly for young farmers seeking to establish themselves in the industry.

The resident highlighted that the project would significantly increase cash rent for farmland, making it more difficult for aspiring farmers to sustain their livelihoods. They referenced a recent publication included in the meeting packet, which supports their claims regarding the detrimental effects of such developments on agricultural viability.

The speaker underscored the importance of protecting USDA-classified prime soil, which they described as the best quality land available. They noted that while regulations exist to safeguard prime soil from other industries, similar protections are lacking for solar developments, which are relatively new. The resident pointed to international examples, such as Italy's outright ban on solar installations on prime land and France's restrictions on coverage, as models for potential local policy.

In their analysis, the speaker indicated that approximately 22% of the proposed solar project area consists of prime land, with an additional 76% classified as prime and drained farmland. They provided documentation from state soil scientists affirming the classification of these soils as prime, contingent on proper drainage.

The resident concluded by advocating for alternative solar siting strategies, such as utilizing buildings or less productive land, and expressed interest in agrivoltaics—an approach that allows for simultaneous agricultural production and solar energy generation. However, they maintained that the current proposal does not align with these sustainable practices, urging local officials to reconsider the implications of the project on the community's agricultural future.