High Tunnel USDA program

CocalicoSprings · #1 09/18/10, 07:36 AM

Has anyone applied for and received a grant to get reimbursed by the USDA for a high tunnel?
Any feedback about the use of high tunnels would be appreciated.

geo in mi · #2 09/18/10, 08:43 AM

There is a lot of info on Google, but the place to start is at your county USDA Service Center. Looks like this is a sign-up program, requiring you to do specific(which may vary with state conditions) things in order to get started. Here's a sample of information from my state, Michigan, just for some reference:ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/MI/pro...nnel%20FAQ.pdf

You may have already gone this Google route yourself, so ignore this if I'm giving you info you already have.....

Looks like, at least in Michigan, you have to buy a kit, rather than make your own....That might be a drawback.

The amount of coverage, 2178 sq. ft. would be roughly a 181 foot length of twelve foot wide tunnel, so it might be worth jumping through some hoops for it

geo

texican · #3 09/18/10, 12:25 PM

Be aware of the fact, that if you do go and get a govt. grant to build your greenhouses, that information will be stored in numerous databases. When, not if, but when, things go absolutely rotten, and the Golden Horde (city folks) get hungry and starts rioting... the govt. will know exactly where to go First! for the excess food.

Myself, I've been thinking about building a few of these for several years... and with such a low initial construction cost, I'd just as soon the govt. do-gooders NOT know that I'm growing food that could feed it's Entitlementistas (welfare class) for a few days. [That, and I have a trailerload of pvc already in the barn!)

Mike in Ohio · #4 09/18/10, 12:57 PM

I would skip the government program if I were you. If you are serious about growing for market, having the grant or not shouldn't make a difference. You will feel better about yourself not feeding at the government trough.

Having said that, hoops are a great way to extend your growing season. I have them set up over raised beds. I have one section that has a low hoop over the raised bed inside a high hoop.

A great source for inexpensive hoops is to look for disperal auctions from commeercial nurserys. That's how I got my 20 - Each one is 13 feet wide by 120 feet long. It cost me more to break down and move them than buying them.

Mike