On January 7, 2011, USDA released the latest results of its Seasonal High Tunnel Pilot Program, launched by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in December of 2009.  As of early January 2011, USDA had distributed more than $13 million for the construction of 2,422 high tunnels in 43 states.

The USDA press release includes a number of examples of producers benefiting from the pilot program, including a Virginia non-profit organization that installed a high tunnel on its educational farm and a Utah-based family beef operation that diversified into vegetable production by installing a high tunnel.

NRCS launched the  3-year pilot program to provide cost-share funding to farmers who want to extend the growing season on their farms by using high tunnels (sometimes referred to as hoop houses).  High tunnel construction is funded as a conservation practice through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

According to USDA, the goal of the pilot program is “to determine [high tunnels’] effectiveness in conserving water, reducing pesticide use, maintaining vital soil nutrients, and increasing crop yields.”

Click here to read NSAC’s last update on the program.

For most farmers, USDA will provide up to 50 percent of the cost of installing a high tunnel.  Historically underserved producers (beginning, minority, and limited resource farmers) can receive up to 90 percent cost-share.

See below for a list of the top five states in terms of number of high tunnels constructed and amount of money obligated in FY 2010:

By Number of Tunnels

State	Number of Tunnels	Dollars Obligated
Minnesota	197	$827,039
Wisconsin	184	$762,518
Missouri	159	$713,024
Alaska	125	$924,775
Pennsylvania	125	$550,943

By Dollars Obligated

State	Number of Tunnels	Dollars Obligated
Alaska	125	$924,775
Minnesota	197	$827,039
Wisconsin	184	$762,518
Missouri	159	$713,024
New Hampshire	79	$705,469

Click here to view a full breakdown of FY 2010 high tunnel funding by state.