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Hoophouses Pilot Project
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(Dec. 17, 2009) - USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) recently 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.
"There is great potential for high tunnels to expand the availability
of healthy, locally-grown crops - a win for producers and consumers,"
said State Conservationist Roylene Rides at the Door. "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,"
she said.
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.
Washington is one of 38 states participating in the project. NRCS will
provide financial assistance for the project through its Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the EQIP Organic Initiative. One
high tunnel per farm for qualified applicants, covering as much as 5
percent of 1 acre, may be funded.
"On our farm here in the Puget Sound region, high tunnels are
essential for heat loving crops," said Ann Vandeman, executive
director of Left Foot Organics near Olympia, Washington. "We can grow
tomatoes, basil and peppers without them, but the yields are not high
enough to cover the costs of production," she said.
To sign up or learn more about EQIP assistance for high tunnel
projects, producers should contact Arlene Rosenkrans.
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