In a speech at the event, the MEP stressed the urgent need to address challenges faced by farmers in the current crisis and in view of the climate emergency. "We are transitioning to a future where the agricultural sector embraces innovative solutions that not only mitigate environmental impact but also enhance the resilience of farmers, leading to a more stable income," MEP Kelly said.
Agrisolar, the integration of solar technology into agricultural practices, emerged as a key focus Sean’s speech. "Agrisolar presents itself as an intriguing solution that aligns with sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to improve both environmental and socio-economic outcomes for farms and their surrounding areas," he remarked.
"In concrete numbers, agri-PV installations have demonstrated a significant reduction in water usage for irrigation, ranging from 20-30 per cent, as observed in operational sites in Spain, France, and Greece," he said. He also highlighted the growing recognition of agri-solar, with 14 EU Member States, including Austria, Germany, France, and Italy, incorporating solar PV into their Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans.
He also pointed to its economic viability, particularly in reducing energy costs, which represent up to 50 per cent of farmers' production costs in Europe.