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USDA launches high tunnel pilot study to increase availability of locally grown organic foods
Kansas Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan 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. Kansas is one of 38 states in the 3-year pilot study that will help determine 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. "This is a great opportunity for organic farmers or farmers transitioning to organic," said Eric Banks, Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist, Salina. NRCS will administer the program. "In Kansas, the high tunnels practice will be available in qualifying Environmental Quality Incentives Program applications through the Organic Initiative," said Banks. "For accepted applications, NRCS will limit the practice to one high tunnel per farm." Organic producers, or those transitioning to organic, interested in the establishment of a high tunnel should stop at their local NRCS field office and visit with the staff about addressing resource concerns on organic systems and submitting an application for the Organic Initiative through EQIP. A cutoff date will be set in the near future for organic applications in Kansas. High tunnels are made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe covered with a layer of plastic sheeting, 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. The NRCS office is located at your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center (listed in the telephone book under United States Government or on the Internet at offices.usda.gov). More information about NRCS is available at the website: www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.
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