NRCS Funding Available to Help Farmers Extend the Growing Season While Protecting Natural Resources

Bangor, ME – June 15, 2010 – Juan Hernandez, State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maine, has announced that they are taking Fiscal Year 2011 applications for the establishment of high tunnels, which increase the availability of locally-grown produce in a conservation-friendly way. This will be the second year of a three-year pilot study established under the “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative. Applications will be accepted until September 1, 2010.

A seasonal high tunnel is a greenhouse-like structure, at least six feet in height, which modifies the climate inside to create more favorable growing conditions for vegetable and other specialty crops grown in the natural soil beneath it. Made of ribs of metal pipe covered with a layer of plastic sheeting, high tunnels are easy to build, maintain and move. This pilot will test the potential conservation benefits of growing crops under these structures. Participating farms can receive funding for a maximum area of 2,178 square feet. USDA payments to enrolled participants will range from $3.75 to $4.50 per square foot.

Producers who would like to sign-up for the high tunnel pilot should visit the NRCS office at their local USDA Service Center, listed online at http://offices.usda.gov or in the telephone book under United States Government, Agriculture Department.

“Maine is one of 38 states participating in the three-year study that 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,” said Hernandez. NRCS will provide financial assistance for the project through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

While the deadline for producers to sign up for assistance in establishing a high tunnel is September 1, the Fiscal Year 2011 signup for the general EQIP program is July 1, 2011.

Since 1935, NRCS has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America’s private land owners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources. NRCS employees provide technical assistance based on sound science and that is suited to a customer’s specific needs, and provides financial assistance for many conservation activities.

National Environmental Quality Incentives Program Website

Maine Environmental Quality Incentives Program Website

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