Release No. 0617.09
Contact: USDA Office of Communications (202) 720-4623
USDA TO LAUNCH HIGH TUNNEL PILOT STUDY TO INCREASE AVAILABILITY OF LOCALLY GROWN FOODS
3-Year Project To Verify Effectiveness Of High Tunnels In Natural Resource Conservation
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2009 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced a new pilot project under the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels - also known as hoop houses - to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way. Merrigan and other Obama administration officials highlighted opportunities available for producers in a video posted on USDA's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?
"There is great potential for high tunnels to expand the availability of healthy, locally-grown crops - a win for producers and consumers," said Merrigan. "This pilot project is going to give us real-world information that farmers all over the country can use to decide if they want to add high tunnels to their operations. We know that these fixtures can help producers extend their growing season and hopefully add to their bottom line."
The 3-year, 38-state study will verify if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season, increasing yields, and providing other benefits to growers.
Made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe covered with a layer of plastic sheeting, high tunnels are easy to build, maintain and move. High tunnels are used year-round in parts of the country, providing steady incomes to farmers - a significant advantage to owners of small farms, limited-resource farmers and organic producers.
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide financial assistance for the project through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the EQIP Organic Initiative, and the Agricultural Management Assistance program. NRCS will fund one high tunnel per farm. High tunnels in the study can cover as much as 5 percent of 1 acre. Participating states and territories are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Pacific Islands, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
To sign up or learn more about EQIP assistance for high tunnel projects, contact a local NRCS office.
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Release No. 0617.09
Contact: USDA Office of Communications (202) 720-4623
1 comment:
USDA Pilot Project - High Tunnels
UPDATE from Dan Nagengast
Hello all,
I've spoken with a couple of people who have pursued enrolling for the NRCS - High Tunnel Conservation Practice - EQIP funds here in Kansas. Knowledge about the project varies quite a bit from county office to county office. This is not uncommon. But every office has received a memo about it. In one case, a friend was allowed to enroll on the spot. In another, the NRCS agent asked for some time to do a little research.
If you are in one of the 38 states that are participating, my advice is to approach your county office now and let them know you plan on applying. Jan. 15 is the cut-off date and it will come quickly after the holidays. If you have not used NRCS programs before, you will have to enroll your farm, but they are allowing that to trail out after you've applied for the High Tunnel program.
If you go in to do this, and the agent you are working with isn't up to speed, please be courteous. These folks are very busy with much larger projects, and this is a very new program on a very fast track. Some of the parameters (for instance, the amount of the cost share), have not been defined. They are professional and they will respond. You might print off the Press Release (which has appeared several times on these list serves) and take it with you.
Dan Nagengast
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