The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative, offers cost-share funding and technical assistance to farmers who want to extend the growing season on their farms by using high tunnels. High tunnels (or “hoop houses”) are sturdy metal frames covered with plastic sheeting that trap natural heat from the sun. This creates conditions that are favorable for growing vegetables and other specialty crops even when outside temperatures are at or below freezing.
This program benefits primarily produce farmers and nurseries, but we have also seen poultry farmers put high-tunnels to good use to keep chickens warm during the colder months of the year.
For more information, and to get an application, follow this link http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/high-tunnels-create-opportunities