A Small Farmer’s Guide to the NRCS High Tunnel Grant Program
If you’re a small farmer looking to extend your growing season, protect your crops, or boost your farm’s productivity, a high tunnel might be the game-changer you need. These simple, plastic-covered hoop structures can help you grow fresh produce earlier in the spring, later in the fall, or even year-round. But let’s face it—building one can be a big investment. That’s where the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) High Tunnel Grant Program comes in. Through this program, you can get financial and technical assistance to make your high tunnel dream a reality. Here’s how small farms like yours can tap into this opportunity.
What Is the NRCS High Tunnel Grant Program?
The NRCS, a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), offers the High Tunnel System Initiative as part of its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). It’s designed to help farmers adopt conservation practices that improve soil health, reduce erosion, and conserve resources—all while supporting your bottom line. High tunnels fit the bill perfectly: they shield crops from harsh weather, cut down on pesticide use, and let you control water and nutrients with precision.
The program isn’t a “free handout”—it’s a cost-share arrangement. You’ll pay for the high tunnel upfront, but the NRCS will reimburse you for a portion of the costs (often 50-90%, depending on your location and eligibility) after they verify it’s built to their standards. For small farms, this can slash the financial barrier to adopting season-extending technology.
Why High Tunnels Matter for Small Farm
High tunnels are like a superpower for small operations. They let you:
- Extend Your Growing Season: Start planting earlier and harvest later, giving you more to sell when prices are high and competition is low.
- Protect Your Crops: Shield plants from wind, hail, or heavy rain, reducing losses.
- Boost Quality: A controlled environment means healthier plants and better produce.
- Grow Local: Supply your community with fresh food longer, cutting down on transportation costs and carbon footprints.
For a small farm, this can mean the difference between scraping by and thriving. And with NRCS support, it’s more affordable than you might think.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Started
Ready to apply? Here’s a straightforward roadmap to navigate the NRCS High Tunnel Grant Program:
- Register Your Farm with the USDA
Head to your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office—often in the same building as the NRCS—to get a farm number. You’ll need to show you own or control the land (via a deed or lease) and provide a tax ID (like a Social Security number or EIN). This step officially puts your farm on the USDA’s radar. - Contact Your Local NRCS Office
Find your nearest NRCS field office online at nrcs.usda.gov using their locator tool. Call or visit to schedule a chat with a conservation planner. They’ll assess your farm’s needs and explain local requirements, since rules can vary by state or county. - Develop a Conservation Plan
The NRCS isn’t just handing out cash—they want to ensure your high tunnel supports their conservation goals. Your planner will visit your farm, evaluate the site, and help you craft a plan. This might include practices like drip irrigation or cover cropping to qualify. Be upfront about your goals—whether it’s growing winter greens or protecting summer tomatoes. - Fill Out the Paperwork
You’ll need to complete a few forms, including:
– AD-1026: Confirms your land meets environmental standards (e.g., no highly erodible soils or wetlands issues).
– CPA-1200: The official EQIP application.
Your NRCS agent will guide you, but double-check deadlines—applications are accepted year-round, but funding is awarded in ranking periods. - Get Approved and Build
Once your application is ranked and approved (based on conservation benefits and local priorities), you’ll sign a contract. Then, buy and build your high tunnel. It must meet NRCS specs: at least 6 feet tall, covered with 6-mil greenhouse-grade plastic, and planted directly in the ground (no raised beds or pots). Many manufacturers offer NRCS-compliant kits—ask your agent for recommendations. - Get Inspected and Reimbursed
After construction, your NRCS agent will inspect the tunnel to ensure it meets standards. They might take photos or ask questions. If all’s good, you’ll get reimbursed—typically a flat rate per square foot (e.g., $2-$5, depending on your state). Save receipts for tax season, as the payment counts as taxable income.
Eligibility: Does Your Farm Qualify?
Good news: the NRCS welcomes small farms! You don’t need hundreds of acres. Here’s what you need:
- Active Farming: You must produce crops, livestock, or forestry products. Even a backyard operation can qualify if you’re selling or using what you grow.
- Land Control: Own or lease the property where the tunnel will go.
- Conservation Goals: Show how a high tunnel will help soil, water, or wildlife on your farm.
Bonus: If you’re a beginning farmer (less than 10 years’ experience), socially disadvantaged, a veteran, or have limited resources, you might get higher reimbursement rates or priority funding. Ask your agent about these perks.
Tips for Success
- Start Early: Rankin periods can fill up—apply well before you need the tunnel.
- Pick the Right Spot: Choose a level site with good sunlight, clear of utilities or property lines. Your NRCS planner can help.
- Communicate: Keep your agent in the loop—email them about progress or repairs to stay on their good side.
- Maintain It: The tunnel’s yours after the contract ends (usually 1-4 years), but until then, keep it in good shape. Patch tears, oil hinges, and protect it from damage.
What’s the Catch?
No program is perfect. You’ll need cash upfront, and reimbursement can take time. The paperwork might feel daunting, and you’re locked into NRCS rules—like growing in-ground crops only. Plus, if you mess up maintenance or site requirements, you could lose funding. But for most small farmers, the benefits outweigh the hassle.
Ready to Grow?
The NRCS High Tunnel Grant Program is a golden opportunity for small farms to level up. Imagine harvesting tomatoes in November or starting lettuce in March—all while saving money and helping the planet. Reach out to your local NRCS office today, and take the first step toward a more resilient, productive farm. You’ve got this!
You can find more information on the NRCS EQIP High Tunnel Initiative here.