AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Sep. 18 at noon CDT will feature Hongli Feng, Ph.D., assistant professor, department of economics and Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD), Iowa State University. Feng’s research focuses on the incentives, policies, and ecological consequences of various agricultural and conservation practices with economics models and coupled bio-economical models. Part of her current research program examines the implications of renewable energy policies, knowledge dissemination related to solar energy diffusion and the interactions of land use and renewable energy expansion.
In the webinar, “Agriculture and Solar Farms: Preferences for Utility-Scale Solar Energy in Local Communities,” Feng will discuss trends and conditions related to the fast growth of solar energy generation facilities and the considerable attention to its land use implications – especially when decisions on land use conflict with agricultural production. She will share insights on how such projects and conflict can be controversial, and how various messaging from interested parties can emphasize either positive or negative effects. Feng will present findings from a survey that focuses on perceptions and attitudes toward local solar projects among different stakeholder groups and how the ways information is presented could affect perceptions and attitudes.
“Solar energy production can help diversify Iowa’s renewable energy portfolio but there is significant concern among our surveyed groups regarding the potential loss of farmland, high initial investment, and lack of favorable public opinion,” said Feng. “Iowa has excellent solar energy resources that could complement wind energy generation, but it is crucial that we understand how Iowans perceive utility scale solar in the presence of these concerns. Studies of this nature will help to create innovative practices that can minimize agricultural impacts and promote solar energy growth.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Don’t miss this webinar!
DATE: Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024
TIME: Noon CDT
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Shortly before noon CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xtAwWXycQZW8iwtNLz34GA#/registration
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter webinar ID: 999 3709 5398
Or, join via phone:
Dial: 646-876-9923
Webinar ID: 999 3709 5398
The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.
ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
Upcoming Webinars in the Series:
Up Next: Wednesday, Sept. 25, with Ryan McGehee, Iowa State University
Oct. 2: Emily Heaton, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Oct. 9: Meaghan Anderson, Iowa State University
–Iowa Learning Farms
