THE AGRICULTURAL MINISTRY’S POSITION žThe quota of agricultural land to be allocated for solar energy projects: Up to 10% of the existing quantity (in this case the water quota does not need to be updated). žUp to 500 dunam (as joint area of the association). In settlements defined as under populated the office will not recommend on creating a farm. žIn settlements holding surplus land (land for seasonal use) the settlement will be required to return the surplus land at a quantity of double the area approved for constructing the farm. žIdentifying land will be done taking into consideration the quality of the agricultural land, giving priority to the poorest soil, both in the regular and surplus land, taking into account the possibility of land exchange. žIf an area greater than 500 dunam will be required for land intensive national projects, the area taken from agricultural land should be augmented by additional area from the plantation contract. žThe recommendations of the ministry of agriculture and rural development for a solar energy site will be given at the level of the association as joint cultivation only. žPlanning a solar energy site will enable, as much as possible. the continuation of agricultural activity until the construction of the project, and during its operation as much as possible. žAt the end of the validity of the plan or at the end of the period of use, the earlier of the two, the land will be returned to agricultural use, clean from any object and in a state fit for use. žAn environmental impact survey or an environmental findings survey should take into account the impact on neighboring agricultural areas.