DA eyes geofencing of farmlands amid gov't push for solar energy

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing the use of geofencing to protect priority agricultural lands from proposed solar energy projects amid the government's push for renewable energy.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA is proposing to geofence around 3 million hectares of flat agricultural land, particularly rice-producing areas.

“We need energy security, but it cannot come at the cost of food security. The country must be able to keep the lights on without putting at risk the land that keeps food on Filipino tables,” he said following discussions with the Department of Energy (DOE).

According to the DA, geofencing involves creating virtual boundaries around specific areas on digital maps, allowing authorities to identify lands that should be protected from certain types of development.

Laurel said the DA has already identified the flat rice lands that will be mapped and geofenced.

The DA will also identify up to 2,000 priority agricultural areas and cross-check them against existing and awarded energy projects to prevent conflicts and overlaps.

As the government transitions to renewable energy, the DA is also pushing for renewable energy programs that would directly help lower electricity costs for farmers and fishers.

Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro and Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevarra were ordered to develop a Farm-to-Energy Framework with the Energy Regulatory Commission to explore ways to benefit farmers and fisherfolk.

Officials are reviewing mechanisms such as the Green Energy Auction, Green Energy Option, and Retail Competition and Open Access to connect clean energy producers directly with agricultural operations, the DA said.

“Potential beneficiaries include irrigation systems, post-harvest facilities, rice mills, cold storage plants, slaughterhouses, farms, fishponds, and other food production operations where electricity costs can significantly affect production expenses,” the DA said.

The DA and DOE are expected to sign a memorandum of agreement in October on the initiative.— MCG, GMA News