Update on the USDA Hoophouse Pilot Program
In December, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) launched a 3-year pilot program to provide cost-share funding to farmers who want to extend the growing season on their farms by using high tunnels (sometimes referred to as hoop houses). Click here to read the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s last update on the program.
Dear Sir/Madam
In March 2012 I registered at the Walton, New York USDA office to participate in the high tunnel program. To date I have not received any information on the program. I am interested in knowing if the high tunnel has been canceled or not? If it has not been candled when will participants be notified as to acceptance or rejection?
Thank you.
John A. Marsico
Marsico’s Greenhouse
2006 South River Road
Walton, New York 13856
607-865-4758
John,
To my knowledge it has not been cancelled. Not sure when notifications were supposed to go out. I’d suggest contacting, Extension, SARE, or the local office of the USDA agency to which you applied for the program.
I live on Kelleys Island, the largest American Island in Lake Erie….I am attempting to make this island substainiable in the winter months. I have erected 3 car car size greenhouse…from all reclaimed materials. I have lettuce, root crops…the usually that you grow,in the cool months but I also have citrus and artichokes. This pass winter was brutal, unfortunely ,but lucky for us, the emerald ash borer dessimated all the ash tree, so we are not without
fuel. We are heating with a double barrel with refractory cement on the inside, we just added a heat exchanger, not total sold, but I know when the stove is running well. My question, where do I get a grant for solar, aquaculture, or a simple hoop house. Thanks. Patti Fresch