Thanks Caitrin Noel for sending this info to us to pass along to our farmers friends!
AVAILABILITY OF LOCALLY GROWN FOODS
3-Year Project To Verify Effectiveness Of High Tunnels In Natural Resource Conservation
COLCHESTER, VT, Dec 18, 2009 – On December 16, 2009 Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan 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. Merrigan and other Obama administration officials highlighted opportunities available for producers in a video posted on USDA’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07vtMJgp0no, which shows high tunnels recently installed in the White House garden.
The 3-year, 38-state study, which Vermont is a part of, 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.
Hoop houses are already being utilized by local growers in Vermont with great success. Joe Buley of Screamin’ Ridge Farm in East Montpelier has been using hoop houses for his vegetable operation for at least three years. “The hoop houses have extended my growing season, allowing me to grow vegetable crops year round. The ability to grow crops year round has provided me with the opportunity to sell to the local community, including public schools when they are in session.” Joe also says that by growing his crops in a more controlled environment such as a hoop house requires less irrigation and increases the success of using beneficial insects and other integrated pest management practices before going to pesticides,
Vermont Natural Resources Conservation Service will be offering this practice through two conservation programs to eligible applicants. Hoop Houses will be offered through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the EQIP Organic Initiative, and the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program. NRCS will fund one high tunnel per farm. High tunnels in the study can cover as much as 5 percent of 1 acre.
To sign up or learn more about EQIP assistance for high tunnel projects, contact a local NRCS office.
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