The Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA), a newly formed 501c6 nonprofit organization, has officially launched to provide critical support and unbiased information to farmers and ranchers navigating the complexities of hosting large-scale renewable energy projects on their land. The organization, which has been in development for over a year, aims to empower landowners to make informed decisions regarding multi-billion dollar energy developments, emphasizing fair negotiations and comprehensive understanding of lease agreements.

Jeff Risley, Executive Director of REFA, highlighted the organization's core mission: "We want to help them navigate a very complex process. These are billion-dollar developments on your land, and you should have the opportunity to get really good information, to talk to other farmers who have been through it, and to know the best potential leases that you can negotiate." This initiative stems from extensive research conducted last spring with approximately 100 farmers, who expressed a strong desire for a trusted, non-partisan third party to offer clear insights into the impact of such projects on their land and farming operations.

REFA will offer a suite of services designed to meet these needs, including unbiased information dissemination and peer-to-peer networking opportunities. This will allow landowners to connect with and learn from others who have already undergone the process of hosting renewable energy infrastructure. Furthermore, the organization plans to provide professional services such as non-legal lease reviews and guidance on tax implications, recognizing that the financial aspects of these leases can significantly affect a farmer's income and business practices.

"They also told us to help us with professional services," Risley added, underscoring the demand for practical assistance. The organization is grounded in the principle of private property rights, advocating for farmers' and ranchers' autonomy in deciding whether to host these projects without undue policy encumbrances. Membership to REFA is open to all farmer and rancher landowners across the United States, with an annual fee of $250. Further details and membership registration are available at renewableenergyfarmers.org.

This new entity represents a significant step towards bridging the information gap between the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector and the agricultural community, ensuring that landowners are well-equipped to participate in the energy transition on favorable terms.