In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, Jersey’s Environment Minister, Deputy Steve Luce, has advocated for the integration of solar power generation within farming practices. Speaking at the 2025 Jersey Farming Conference, Luce envisioned a future where farmers could “grow” solar power alongside their traditional crops, highlighting the potential of agrivoltaics—a practice that combines agriculture and solar power generation.
The proposed solar farm in St Martin, Jersey, is at the heart of this vision. Luce described the project as a “wonderful opportunity” for the Island to contribute to climate change mitigation. The site could serve as a European centre of excellence, fostering research and education in sustainable energy production and agriculture. By leveraging the latest agrivoltaic technologies, Jersey could potentially lead the way in this innovative agricultural initiative.
Jersey Electricity is collaborating with Harper Adams, the UK’s leading university for food production and agriculture technology, to transform Crown Land at Belle Fontaine into a hub for agrivoltaics and solar technology research. Although a public consultation took place in September, the project is not yet ready for consideration by the Planning Committee.
Luce acknowledged that the proposals might not garner unanimous approval but expressed hope that future generations would view the initiative as a positive step towards a carbon-free and sustainable future. He also highlighted other technological advancements in the agricultural sector, such as GPS-equipped tractors, meteorological monitoring equipment to combat potato blight, and cleaning robots in the dairy industry.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel also addressed the conference, praising the agricultural sector’s productivity gains. Productivity had risen from £39,000 per full-time employee in 2019 to nearly £60,000 today, nearly double the UK’s figure. However, Morel admitted that more needed to be done to support the sector, with per-capita funding for farming in Jersey remaining below that of most neighboring jurisdictions. Over £10 million in funding would be provided in 2026, including a new online portal for the Rural Support Scheme, a streamlined approval process for agricultural loans, and increased investment in the Cultivate Programme to create rural apprenticeships and training opportunities for young Islanders.
The integration of solar power generation into farming practices could revolutionize the agricultural sector, promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change. As Jersey explores this innovative approach, it could set a precedent for other regions, demonstrating the potential of agrivoltaics to transform agriculture and contribute to a greener future.