2012 EQIP Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative
 

2012 Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops

Interim Conservation Practice 798

The application ranking periods are:

    ◊  February 3, 2012
    ◊  March 30, 2012
    ◊  June 1, 2012

Seasonal high tunnels are structures made of plastic or metal pipe and covered with plastic or other sheeting. Easy to build, maintain, and move, they provide an energy-efficient way to extend the growing season, reduce or avoid use of pesticides and reduce run off and leaching of nitrogen. Unlike greenhouses, they require no energy, relying on natural sunlight to modify the climate inside to create favorable conditions for growing vegetable and other specialty crops.

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is providing financial assistance for seasonal high tunnels as part of a three-year trial to determine their effectiveness in conserving water, reducing pesticide use, maintaining vital soil nutrients, and increasing crop yields

Technical and Financial Assistance

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative signup, Agricultural producers may apply for financial assistance and technical expertise to plan and install Seasonal High Tunnels and other conservation practices that will facilitate in addressing a resource concern. See Seasonal High Tunnel Practice Payment List for approved practices offered for this initiative.

2012 EQIP Seasonal High Tunnel Practice Payment Lists

The following is a list of practices and associated payment rates, please view the pages below.

The document below requires Microsoft Excel

2012 EQIP National Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative Practice Payment Rates - (XLS, 14 KB)
2012 EQIP National Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative Practice Payment Rates - Historically Underserved - (XLS, 14 KB)

Program Benefits for Historically Underserved Clients 

EQIP provides enhanced benefits to historically underserved program participants. Click here for more information about historically underserved clients.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative, applicants must be a farmer who earns a minimum agricultural income and meet other EQIP program requirements. For more detailed information, go to: EQIP Eligibility

Eligible lands for the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative apply only to exiting managed cropland.

Practice Requirements

The practice is intended to extend the growing season early and late in the growing year and be removed at the end of the growing season.

The maximum size of the seasonal high tunnel funded by the Initiative is limited to 2178 sq. ft.

The practice must be sited on existing cropland that has an active crop production history.

The crops grown within the seasonal high tunnel must be planted directly into the soil covered by the seasonal high tunnel. The use of pots, growing racks or hydroponics is not eligible.

The seasonal high tunnel system must be constructed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. The frame for the seasonal high tunnel must be constructed of metal, wood, or durable plastic and be at least 6 feet high at the center, structure cover at a minimum will be made of 6-mil greenhouse-grade, UV resistant polyethylene and will not include electrical, heating or ventilation system. Expected life span of the seasonal high tunnel is a minimum of 4 years. See practice jobsheet (coming soon).
 

How to Apply

Application for the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative can be obtained at your local NRCS office. NRCS can also assist the applicant by developing a conservation plan that includes conservation activities and practices that address resource problems while improving farming operation on their land.

Funding Selection and Priorities

The Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative is a national initiative. Funding and selection of applications will be determined at the NRCS National level. Applications will be accepted at any time with ranking of applications on Feb 3, March 30, and June 1 of 2012.

Ranking Criteria

EQIP National, State and Local ranking questions

Map of Oregon’s Growing Degree Days (PDF, 1.67 MB)

For More Information

National NRCS Seasonal High-Tunnel web page

The document below requires Microsoft Excel

Seasonal High Tunnel Flyer (PDF, 989 KB)
Seasonal High Tunnel  Interim Conservation Practice Job Sheet (PDF, 793 KB)
Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops Conservation Practice Standard (PDF, 46 KB)
Seasonal High Tunnel Supplemental Planning and Implementation Guidance (PDF, 80KB)
Seasonal High Tunnel Statement of Work (PDF, 35KB)

Contacts

Todd Peplin
NRCS Farm Bill Specialist
625 SE Salmon Avenue, Suite 4
Redmond, Oregon 97756-9580
Phone: (541) 923-4358 ext 131
Email: todd.peplin@or.usda.gov

Denise Troxell
NRCS State Agronomist
1201 NE Lloyd Blvd, Suite 900
Portland, Oregon  97232
Phone:  (503) 414-3232
Email:  denise.troxell@or.usda.gov

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