WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a sweeping set of initiatives last week aimed at strengthening rural economies, safeguarding American farmland, and prioritizing U.S.-made energy solutions. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced nearly $89 million in federal investments for 13 rural development projects across Tennessee while also issuing new directives to limit taxpayer funding for large-scale solar projects on productive farmland and promote energy efficiency on National Forest System lands.
$89 Million to Strengthen Rural Tennessee
On August 18, 2025, Secretary Rollins announced a significant USDA Rural Development investment benefiting 28 counties across Tennessee. The funds will support infrastructure improvements, farmland preservation, and educational opportunities designed to bolster economic growth and strengthen local communities.
“We are working every day at USDA to ensure our family farmers have the tools and markets to keep farming for generations to come,” Rollins said. “Rural Tennessee helps feed and fuel America and the world, and President Trump is committed to investing in these communities so they continue to be productive and fulfilling places to live.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee praised the initiative, calling it “a significant investment in our rural communities” that will help preserve farmland, expand access to education, and create greater opportunities for families across the state.
USDA Restricts Use of Farmland for Subsidized Solar Projects
In conjunction with the investment announcement, USDA unveiled a policy change prohibiting taxpayer-funded subsidies for solar projects on productive farmland and restricting the use of foreign-manufactured solar panels in USDA programs.
Secretary Rollins highlighted the growing impact of subsidized solar developments on agricultural land, noting that Tennessee has lost over 1.2 million acres of farmland in the past 30 years and could lose an additional 2 million acres by 2027 if current trends continue. Nationwide, farmland dedicated to solar panel installations has increased by nearly 50% since 2012.
“Our prime farmland should not be wasted and replaced with green new deal subsidized solar panels,” Rollins said. “We are no longer allowing businesses to use taxpayer dollars to fund solar projects on prime American farmland, and we will no longer allow solar panels manufactured by foreign adversaries to be used in USDA-funded projects.”
Under the updated policies:
- The USDA Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program will no longer fund wind or solar projects.
- The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) will restrict funding for ground-mounted solar systems larger than 50 kW unless applicants demonstrate historical energy usage justifying the installation.
- Foreign-manufactured solar panels will be excluded from all USDA-supported energy projects.
New Energy Policy for National Forest System Lands
On August 21, 2025, Secretary Rollins issued a memorandum directing the U.S. Forest Service to prioritize land use efficiency when evaluating energy proposals on National Forest System lands. The policy seeks to maximize power generation per acre while minimizing environmental disruption, ensuring federally managed lands are used responsibly.
“America has the resources and ingenuity to power our future without depending on foreign adversaries,” Rollins said. “Under this memorandum, we are putting America first, ensuring that every acre of federally managed land is used wisely, balancing the needs for energy security with our responsibility to safeguard natural resources.”
The directive will apply to proposals for wind, solar, natural gas, and other energy projects on more than 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands managed by USDA. Projects demonstrating higher energy output relative to land impact will receive priority consideration.
Protecting Farmland and Promoting U.S.-Made Energy
USDA’s actions reflect the Trump administration’s broader push to strengthen domestic agriculture, reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, and preserve farmland for food production. By limiting subsidies for large-scale solar projects and prioritizing U.S.-manufactured components, the Department aims to balance energy development with food security and rural economic stability.
The memorandum takes effect immediately, with oversight responsibilities assigned to the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment or, in their absence, the Chief of the Forest Service.
Together, these initiatives spotlight the USDA’s dual focus on supporting rural communities while safeguarding America’s agricultural resources and energy independence for future generations.
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