American farmers and ranchers have always been the backbone of our economy, feeding our communities and stewarding the land for future generations. Yet, today, their ability to make independent decisions about how to use their land is increasingly under threat. Restrictive zoning laws, arbitrary regulations and local opposition are blocking farmers from making choices that could provide financial security and strengthen rural economies.
This is not just an agricultural issue—it is a fundamental property rights issue. And at its core, it is about whether we trust our farmers—the people who know their land best—to make the right choices for their futures.
The economic challenges facing American agriculture are mounting. Farmers and ranchers must contend with volatile commodity prices, unpredictable weather, rising operational costs, labor shortages and shifting federal and international trade policies. These pressures make it harder for small and mid-sized farms to survive, leading to consolidation by corporate agribusinesses, conversion of farmland to residential and commercial use, and increasing the rate at which locally owned farms that sustain rural communities are lost forever.
To remain viable, American farmers and ranchers need the freedom to make decisions that ensure their long-term success. Some diversify by growing specialty crops, others open agritourism ventures and some lease portions of their land for renewable energy or conservation programs. The key point is that these decisions should be theirs to make—not dictated by restrictive policies or external pressures.
Yet, outdated regulations and local opposition misled by a barrage of disinformation, are making it harder for farmers to adapt. Zoning restrictions that limit agricultural diversification, local ordinances that block alternative revenue sources and unnecessary permitting requirements all strip agricultural landowners of their autonomy and ability to thrive.
The debate over land use is often framed as an issue of preservation versus development, but this oversimplifies reality. Farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of their land because their livelihoods depend on it. They should have the right to determine how best to utilize their property—whether that means planting crops, raising livestock, opening a farm store, hosting agritourism events, participating in conservation programs or leasing land for energy production.
Take Jack’s Solar Garden in Longmont, Colorado. This family-run farm transformed a portion of its land into an agrivoltaic site, generating income while still producing crops. Similarly, in Benson, Vermont, raised solar panels are integrated with pasture, allowing beef cattle to graze beneath them in shade. These operations are thriving because they are free to make choices that fit their unique needs.
But solar is just one example. Many farmers find stability through direct-to-consumer sales, farmers’ markets or regenerative farming techniques. Others introduce hunting leases, agritourism experiences or conservation easements to diversify revenue. These innovations are essential for survival, yet in many communities, farmers are blocked from pursuing them due to restrictive policies or local opposition driven by misinformation and resistance to change.
Without action, the trends are clear: More family farms will shut down, and more land will be sold off, not for agriculture, but for suburban sprawl and commercial development. As economic opportunities disappear, more rural communities will struggle, and ultimately, the nation’s food security and rural heritage will suffer.
Farmers don’t need more obstacles—they need more options. Policies should empower them to make decisions that allow them to sustain their operations, adapt to economic shifts and pass their land on to future generations.
Policymakers at all levels must take steps to:
- Protect Property Rights: Farmers should not face unnecessary barriers when diversifying their income streams or exploring new business models.
- Develop Fair Regulations: Land-use policies should be created with input from rural landowners to ensure they support—not hinder—economic resilience.
- Educate Communities: Misinformation often fuels opposition to changes in land use. Transparent discussions can help communities understand the benefits of allowing farmers to innovate and adapt.
The future of American agriculture depends on flexibility, innovation and resilience. Farmers deserve the right to make the best decisions for their land, families and livelihoods.
Let’s put that choice back where it belongs—in their hands.
David Carpenter is vice president of development and chief legal officer for Green Lantern Solar. He is also a lecturer at the University of Vermont