USDA High Tunnel Grant

Anybody here utilized this resource yet? I haven't seen any posts about this, but it's a great opportunity for folks who want to get a free greenhouse. You have to be actually making money as a farm, but I've had several friends get one of these grants. Just wanted to put it out there for people who might not know about it, but are potentially eligible.

USDA High Tunnel Grant

Hello Isaac!  I have thought about using NRCS for perimeter fencing and high tunnel, but am worried about the government getting too "in my shorts".  Sounds like you have experience with this, so what has been your impression about their oversight?  Is it ongoing, and/or are there stipulations about what you have to do with the site afterwards?

We utilized this grant for the Crescent City Food Forest I helped design and get going. I did not have to do any of the paperwork, but it was very helpful for sheltering both plants and people during our dark rainy winters. I do think it had the caveat that it had to be used primarily for in ground plantings (tomatoes, peppers, and subtropical perennials), but part could be used for starts.

My NRCS officer in MS told me I could qualify for up to $9,000 for a 30 X 70 high tunnel. They have a list of suppliers, but I could use my own contractor or build it myself. You have to meet certain guidelines, but a 2,100 sq. ft. high tunnel could be turned into a significant commercial operation if you are near adequate selling markets.

You can also get a pond put on your property (must be used to water livestock) and livestock fencing, as well. You need to first register your property with the Farm Service Agency as a farm. It's a simple process, and you can qualify even if you're just gardening for your family.

If you call your local NRCS office, you might get someone to come out and walk your property and give you ideas for your homestead/farm, and they'll tell you about other resources, including technical advice, that's available. I have a small pond already and there's not a good one for a second pond, but my NRCS officer told me they would "get water to your livestock" via a pipe and trough or some other means.

Check out the USDA EQIP grant programs, as well.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/apply-for-environmental-quality-incentives-program-eqip

Good luck.

We just recieved word today that we're qualified for 50 percent of the cost up to $20,000.00. Our local NRCS & FSA offices were really great at helping us navigate through all the paperwork and within a few weeks they came out to survey the field we had chosen. We still need to accept the offer and finalize the high tunnel model and contractor. We have an 80+ acre farm and grow most anything that works in zone 6a but corn.

Amy Jurek wrote:We just recieved word today that we're qualified for 50 percent of the cost up to $20,000.00. Our local NRCS & FSA offices were really great at helping us navigate through all the paperwork and within a few weeks they came out to survey the field we had chosen. We still need to accept the offer and finalize the high tunnel model and contractor. We have an 80+ acre farm and grow most anything that works in zone 6a but corn.

How did things work out? Any pics or advice?