The transition to renewable energy is a once-in-a-generation chance to drive major investment into farming communities. If we can get it right.
Farmers have the power to green-light or block the global shift to renewables. Not only do they control access to land, they are highly trusted, have influence in their communities and on the Australian political landscape.
For a successful transition, we need to do better. That means making farmer and regional community voices central to the conversation, and ensuring benefits are delivered that can see rural Australians thrive.
The future of clean energy depends on getting farmer engagement right. Let’s not miss the opportunity.
Too often, poor engagement has slowed renewable energy projects in Australia and beyond, fuelling resistance to the clean energy transition. Solar and wind developments are becoming hot-button issues in farming regions.
Currie conducted research throughout 2024, capturing perspectives from around the globe. Our objective was to understand how we could better engage farmers in the rollout of renewable energy. We interviewed farmers, farming representatives, energy experts, advocacy groups and politicians; held workshops with global energy workers and conducted a survey of more than 1,000 Australians.
Our research has found that Australians deeply trust farmers on climate and renewables.
Of course, not every farmer needs to be onboard for a clean energy transition. But with 80 million kilometres of energy grid to be created or replaced globally by 2040, many thousands of farmers will need to be a part of negotiations.
The clean energy shift needs to work for farmers because they:
The success of Australia's clean energy transition rises and falls off the back of engagement with those it may impact.
There remains vocal opposition to renewables developments. A lack of effective engagement with farmers and farming communities is a major factor in fuelling this hostility.
We identified four principles for engaging with farmers and their communities that can set renewables projects up for success.
Getting in front of misinformation with facts, including the benefits renewable projects can offer, is critical when it comes to positively engaging farmers with the energy shift. Without correction, misinformation about renewables grows and spreads, influencing even those who may otherwise be supportive.
Pushback can come from anyone if they feel a development isn’t real for their area. People who may otherwise be expected to support a renewables transition can object for a range of reasons, and concerns need to be genuinely considered and validated. Often, this input can make a development better by identifying areas for change, adjustment or improvement.
When engaging with farmers, it’s important that team members on the ground have some commonality with farmers and farming communities – being able to relate to their experiences and concerns goes a long way.
It’s also important to share information about the potential benefits up for grabs for local communities.
Wherever possible, all members of a farming community should benefit as quickly and directly as possible – not just the farmer whose land is hosting a development, or the group that is first to put its hand up.
For strategies on how to implement these principles, download the report
