High Tunnel Program
High Tunnels in Garrett County
The Garrett Soil Conservation District has helped quite a number of farmers in Garrett County build high tunnels through the EQIP and TEAMS cost-share programs. High Tunnels allow for extending growing and the growing of crops that may be harder to grow in our area.
Funds are extremely limited and competitive throughout the state. Therefore, local farmers need to be aware that generally there is a waiting list, and even if you qualify, funding may not happen for several years, or at all.
Last year, there was an increase in funding through ACTNow, but those funds have been halted. Because they were available, quite a few of our Garrett County farmers were able to receive funding for a tunnel, leading to an increase in tunnels in the area.
Funding of tunnels has slowed here in the County, but that doesn’t mean you can’t obtain cost-share to build one. It does mean, however, that the wait may be longer, and there is a greater chance you won’t be funded.
Program Facts
Please be advised that tunnels that have a water source already available will be funded ahead of those requiring a spring or well development because there is a waiting list for design for water projects.
Applications are ranked according to the impact the tunnel will make on conservation and the community. Those receiving a first-time tunnel are ranked higher than those requesting a second tunnel. For a more detailed understanding of how EQIP works, please visit our EQIP Funding page.
Why Can Qualify
Who qualifies for a tunnel? Anyone can apply. You may be interested in a tunnel because you grow commercially or because you grow for your family and need to keep deer out of your garden.
The only requirement is that you do plan to grow crops in your tunnel each year. You may have a small cost share. And you may have to pay for the tunnel up front and receive reimbursement after it is completed. The average cost runs about $16,000, though it may be less for smaller sized tunnels. Look for EQIP to pay from 80% to 100% depending upon your situation. If you have other needs in addition to the tunnel itself, such as running water from a distance or development of a water source, costs will be higher, and it may take significantly longer to receive your tunnel.
The only income limit to qualify is that you cannot make over $900,000 per year. You do not have to have animal units. And having a Nutrient Management plan is not a requirement for this particular pot of funding.
Individuals receiving cost-share funding for a high tunnel will have to grow their crops in the ground inside of the tunnel, as opposed to in pots or containers. This is a requirement for the program.
Who to Contact and How to Apply
For more information, please contact Will Gindlesberger at william.gindlesberger@usda.gov or John Grose at john.grose@usda.gov.
Or call 301-501-5886.
So What's a High Tunnel?
High Tunnels are hoop houses that allow farmers to plant crops earlier and grow crops later in the season because they protect crops from the cold. They look similar to a green house, except crops are grown in the ground, as opposed to in pots, and there is no form of heat other than what is generated from the plastic that covers the tunnel holding in heat from the sun.
High tunnels allow farmers to better control water and nutrients than they can with field-grown plants. This reduces plant diseases.
Ways that high tunnels help the environment are that they:
- Extend the growing season
- Improve plant quality and soil quality
- Reduce nutrient and pesticide transportation
- Improve air quality through reduced transportation inputs
- Reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce
High tunnels are constructed of steel pipes which are covered with greenhouse plastic. They range in size from very large to small, with most of the ones in our area being between 96′ and 24′ in length. The sides can generally be rolled up or down, depending upon the weather. Some farmers replace the plastic every year, but there are types of plastic that can last up to 3 years, so perspective high tunnel owners need to be aware that there are ongoing costs associated with owning a tunnel.
Farmers generally water plants through irrigation, so it may be necessary to run pipes underground from a water source. Often there is funding for this as well for those selected to be funded through the program.