EDGAR, Wis. – Marathon County Farmers Union is hosting an Energy for Farm & Community Resiliency event on Tuesday, April 14, from 5-7 p.m. at Rock Ridge Orchard, 128752 State Hwy 153, near Edgar.
Marathon County has been at the center of serious debate, innovation, and opposition to renewable energy over the past few years. Three developers have declared their intention to put in 400 MW of wind generation in Marathon County. Outcry for more local control continues, while advocates point to the need for affordable energy generation that reduces reliance on imported fuels while considering concerns for private property rights of landowners.
Opportunities remain for balanced conversations and education on potential community impacts. Land use and agriculture are often at the center of renewable energy debates. Marathon County Farmers Union is excited to provide a space for their community to hear each other speak and learn the facts together.
“We can’t make good decisions about our future if we don’t have good information and can’t get our concerns answered,” said Marathon County Farmers Union President and specialty crop farmer Alex Spaulding. “And given the rate we are losing family farms, I’d like farmers to have as many options as possible to ensure they can stay on their land and keep farming.”
This community event will feature speakers from the Marathon County Conservation, Planning & Zoning Department, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, and Wisconsin Farmers Union with time for questions and discussion.
This event is free, open to the public, and includes a pizza buffet meal served 5-5:45 p.m. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. Please RSVP for this event ahead of time to assist in meal planning. You can register online at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com/events or by contacting Erin Lenninger at 715-382-0341 or elenninger@wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
Wisconsin Farmers Union is a member-driven organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through education, cooperative development, and civic engagement. More information is available at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
