High Tunnel Initiative

USDA SEEKING APPLICATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA FOR SEASONAL HIGH TUNNEL INITIATIVE

Raleigh, NC. (Nov. 21,2011) – Longer growing seasons, conserving natural resources and providing a greater supply of locally grown food are all advantages for the farmers who participle in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative. The initiative is offered under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and funding availability is to be available soon for eligible applicants.

Farmers can submit applications for the initiative at anytime throughout the year. However, NRCS will begin the application ranking process for the EQIP Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative on February 3, 2012 for possible funding. Applications are ranked based on greatest environmental benefit. For an application to be considered for ranking all land and producer eligibility requirements must have been met.

The initiative will provide opportunities for farmers to establish seasonal high tunnel systems for crops and for numerous conservation practices that benefit natural resources. Applicants who apply for the national EQIP initiative can also apply for conservation practices under the state administered Farm Bill conservation programs.

The 2008 Farm Bill provides additional incentives for farmers, who are beginning, have limited resources, or who are socially disadvantaged. Such farmers can receive up to 90 percent of the costs associated with planning and implementing certain conservation practices and up to 30 percent of expected costs may be provided in advance.

Farmers should visit their local USDA Service Center today to apply for available funding for Farm Bill programs and initiatives; locations are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture. General program information is available on the NRCS North Carolina website at www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

2011 EQIP Sign-Up for Organics Deadline May 20

From Southeast Farm Press:

"The USDA — NRCS is offering a second sign up for conservation assistance on certified organic farms or agricultural ventures transitioning to organic production in North Carolina through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Farmers and growers who are transitioning to organic production, or are currently certified, must sign up for EQIP before the May 20, 2011 deadline in order to be considered.

A number of conservation practices may be funded including irrigation, cover crops, crop rotations, prescribed grazing, forage harvest management, nutrient management, pest management, and seasonal high tunnels (also known as hoop — houses).

Cost-share assistance is provided based on the average cost of conservation practices implemented, and is usually between 75 and 90 percent of the practice costs.

Once again, the deadline is Friday, May 20, 2011. For more information on Organic Initiative, NRCS, and how to sign up for EQIP, please contact your local USDA Service Center or NRCS office."

USDA/NRCS Service Centers

USDA Reports Increased Diversification in Horticultural Operations

To read the full report click here.

Highlights from the article include:

The sale of food crops grown under protection, including fruits and vegetables in hothouses, as well as transplants for commercial vegetable production increased 149 percent since the last time the census of horticulture was conducted in 1998.

“Despite the recent economic downturn, the U.S. horticulture industry as a whole is showing resilience by increasing diversification of the products produced,” said Joe Prusacki, NASS Statistics Division director. “Food crop production has shown the largest growth in this sector of agriculture, possibly a link to increased consumer interest in fresh fruits and vegetables.”

“Overall, total sales of horticultural crops between 1998 and 2009 increased by 10 percent to $11.7 billion,” added Prusacki. “Looking at the entire agricultural industry however, this 10-percent increase lags behind the 60-percent increase seen for all agricultural crop commodities during this same time period.”

To read the full report click here.

NRCS Offers High Tunnel and Organic Ag Funding Opportunity

Here is some exciting news from Stuart Ashby Lee regarding Organic Agriculture and Seasonal High Tunnels and the NRCS-EQIP!

On behalf of the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) I would like to share with you exciting news about funding opportunities for seasonal high tunnels for corps and the Organic Initiative through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Below, I have included a Web link that will provide you with information about financial assistance offered for organic agricultural production and seasonal high tunnels. As always, if you have any questions about the attached information, links or NRCS, please contact me at any time. Stuart Ashby Lee, USDA-NRCS North Carolina, State Public Affairs Specialist, 4407 Bland RD, Ste 117, Raleigh, NC 27609. Phone: 919-873-2107. Email: stuart.lee@nc.usda.gov.
Funding Opportunities Through EQIP:

Link: http://www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/EQIP/index.html

Additional Links:

Link: http://www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov/

Link: http://www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:

• Applications for seasonal high tunnels should be received by your local NRCS field office no later than February 12, 2010
• Organic Farmers Sign-Up by March 12, 2010

Here is the news release:

Subject: High Tunnels to Reach New Heights In North Carolina

Raleigh, NC - High hope for high tunnels as the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) expands its ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ initiative to North Carolina. The initiative will provide opportunities for farmers to establish seasonal high tunnel systems for crops – also known as hoop houses – to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation friendly way.

Unlike greenhouses, seasonal high tunnels use no energy, other than sunlight – saving money and valuable energy resources. Other resource benefits include improved pest management and plant condition. Seasonal high tunnels also provide a longer growing season.

“Seasonal high tunnels extend the growing season, which means a greater supply of locally grown produce on dinner tables across North Carolina,” said NRCS Acting State Conservationist JB Martin. “Ultimately, it’s a great opportunity for our producers and the state.”

Made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe covered with a layer of plastic sheeting, high tunnels are easy to build, maintain and move for crop rotations. Proactive conservation practices are installed around the tunnel to prevent soil erosion from runoff.

Traditional agricultural producers interested in utilizing seasonal high tunnels on currently cultivated cropland may qualify for financial assistance under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). A special EQIP sign-up period has been established exclusively for seasonal high tunnels. Applications for seasonal high tunnels should be received by your local NRCS Field Office no later than February 12.

Under the EQIP Organic Initiative, organic producers and producers who are transitioning to organic production can also receive financial assistance to establish a number of “core” conservation practices, which includes seasonal high tunnels to be utilized on cultivated cropland. Applications for EQIP Organic Initiative applications must be received by March 12 at your local field office.

For more information on NRCS, EQIP, high tunnels and for contact information on your nearest NRCS field office, please visit us on the Web at www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov.