Financial Assistance Available for High Tunnels, Organic Operations

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has $1.5 million available to assist eligible Missouri producers interested in installing seasonal high tunnels, for organic producers and for those transitioning to organic production. Applications for high tunnels and organic operations must be received by March 4 at NRCS offices.

Both the Organic Initiative funding and the high tunnel funding is provided through NRCS' Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS State Conservationist J.R. Flores said the 2011 funding is nearly the same as last year. In 2010, the funds were used for 93 organic contracts covering 3,000 acres, and to construct 159 seasonal high tunnels.

"Missouri was second in the nation in 2010 in the number of high tunnels constructed," Flores said. "Missouri producers clearly see the benefit of incorporating high tunnels into their operations, and they seem pleased that we are able to offer this kind of assistance."

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

2011 marks the third year of USDA's Organic Initiative, and up to $50 million nationally is available this year for producers to plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns in ways that are consistent with organic production. For example, organic producers may use the funding to plant cover crops, establish integrated pest management plans, or implement nutrient management systems consistent with organic certification standards.

Eligible producers include those certified through USDA's National Organic Program, those transitioning to certified organic production, and those who meet organic standards but are exempt from certification because their gross annual organic sales are less than $5,000.

To get more information about seasonal high tunnels, the Organic Initiative or other NRCS programs, visit the Missouri NRCS website or contact the NRCS office serving your county. Look in the phone book under "U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture," or on the internet .