The Welsh Government is under fire after rejecting a Senedd motion calling for a solar energy strategy that protects food-producing farmland.
The motion, tabled by the Welsh Conservatives, urged ministers to prioritise alternative sites for solar panels and safeguard productive agricultural land. It was defeated by the Labour-led government, prompting concerns over future food security.
“Agricultural land is essential to feeding the nation,” the motion stated, calling for a balanced approach to renewable energy development.
Wales has committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewables by 2035, as part of wider net-zero targets for 2050. Ministers defended solar energy’s role in this transition, but critics say farmland must not be sacrificed.
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Samuel Kurtz, Welsh Conservative shadow secretary for energy and rural affairs, said: “It is essential that we do all we can to protect our assets, and that includes safeguarding fertile farmland from being paved over for solar panels.
“While securing our energy future is important, it must not come at the expense of our agricultural land. Undermining farming in this way threatens food security and rural livelihoods.”
Janet Finch-Saunders MS, who led the debate, also expressed disappointment in the government’s position.
“We need a clear and sustainable solar strategy that balances renewable energy development with the protection of our farmland,” she said. “The current lack of strategy risks undermining both our energy goals and our food security."
“From Switzerland to Japan, measures are being taken in nations globally to see solar panels placed in innovative locations which do not hamper food production.
“The Welsh Government needs to pause to put an ambitious plan in place for a solar revolution.”
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