Something to consider for the new year:

Funding available to help farmers extend the growing season while protecting natural resources

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a new pilot project under the ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels — also known as hoop houses — to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way. [1] See video of high tunnels installed in the White House garden.

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. 

Local farmers who would like to sign-up for the high tunnel pilot should call or visit the NRCS office at a local USDA service center by January 15th. USDA service center locations are listed on-line at [2] www.offices.usda.gov or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont are among the participating states. [3] Details.