Agriculture is itself an energy conversion process, namely the conversion of solar energy through photosynthesis to food energy for humans and feed for animals.

Primitive agriculture involved little more than scattering seeds on the land and accepting the scanty yields that resulted. But modern agriculture requires an energy input at all stages of agricultural production such as direct use of energy in farm machinery, water management, irrigation, cultivation and harvesting.

And post-harvest energy use includes energy for food processing, storage and in transport to markets.

As the agriculture and energy markets have become increasingly linked, farmers are impacted by changes in the energy sector through both expenditures and revenue.

♦  Renewable energy and agriculture are a winning combination. Wind, solar, and biomass energy can be harvested forever, providing a long-term source of income. Renewable energy can be used to replace other fuels or sold as a “cash crop.”

♦  Traditional agriculture companies are frequently unaware of the variety of new technologies that may be appropriate for them. Because clean energy technologies are relatively new, many agriculture companies have limited access to distributors for their installation, parts, and service.  They also often do not have the means to cover the high capital costs associated with clean energy upgrades, and financing for them is seldom available.