[From The Rural Focus: PA Governor's Newsletter] Pennsylvania farmers have the opportunity to participate in a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiative called “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food.” The initiative asks farmers to establish high tunnels, or hoop houses, to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.
The 3-year, 38-state study 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.
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide financial assistance for the project through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the EQIP Organic Initiative, and the Agricultural Management Assistance program. NRCS will fund one high tunnel per farm. High tunnels in the study can cover as much as 5 percent of 1 acre.
To sign up or learn more about EQIP assistance for high tunnel projects, contact your local NRCS office. More information is also available in a video posted on USDA's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07vtMJgp0no, which shows high tunnels installed in the White House garden.
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