NRCS High Tunnel Program
Many of you have heard about the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative. Funding for this Initiative comes under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary program providing financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers like you. The Initiative’s goal is to assist you with improving plant and soil quality, reducing nutrient and pesticide transportation, improving air quality through reduced transportation inputs, and reducing energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce.
Understand that the High Tunnel Initiative is not a grant, but a contract with NRCS which includes some eligibility requirements. During the first year, NRCS will require documentation on specific items that will assist in the agency’s evaluation of the initiative. While you can inquire and sign-up any time, NRCS will hold two cut-off dates where applications collected will be ranked. There are no guarantees there will be another opportunity so if you are interested, submit an application today. Those dates are March 30 and June 1, 2012. Check out NRCS’ website or visit your county’s local NRCS or Soil and Water Conservation District office today.
