Some intrepid farmers in the Fukushima prefecture are joining forces to start a so-called Renewable Energy Village, which involves farming on the region's tainted soil.



This farm/solar park will be fitted with 120 photovoltaic panels that can generate 30 kilowatts of power, which are then sold to a local utility company. There are plans to add windmills and possibly an astronomical observatory on the land as well. As for the crops, the plan is to plant them beneath these solar panels.

Obviously, there some concerns on whether it is safe to grow and eat crops in soil that's been contaminated by nuclear fallout. However, if the radiation levels in the soil are low enough and the farmers pick the right crops, then consuming the plants should be harmless. What's the worse that could happen?

[New Scientist]