Fund your Hortitech Greenhouse with the High Tunnel Initiative

In an effort to promote self sustainability in American communities, the USDA established the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to offer financial aid in the form of Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help farmers, Indian Tribes, and community organizations expand their local crop production and extend their grow season.

The EQIP grant has many facets of financial assistance, one of which being the high tunnel system initiative that funds the purchase of passive ventilation greenhouse systems.

The payment cap starts at $7,670 per year. This may change year to year and can be more if you qualify as a historically underserved producer. Check with your local USDA service office for the latest information.

The grant pays an amount that is a factor of square footage of the structure-- more square footage, more funding.

It's very easy to apply for an NRCS grant. It's open to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, Indian Tribes, and legal entities.

As a bonus you can apply for every new structure individually, even if you have been previously funded.

To be an eligible structure for funding:

• the structure must be metal, wood or durable plastic
• plastic covering must be UV protected
• greenhouse must have a passive ventilation system, meaning roll-up side walls, and endwalls that can open or be removed
• structure must come as a complete kit with warranties and installation instructions from the manufacturer
• minimum 8ft peak height

The following does not qualify for financial assistance:

• electricity,
• plumbing,
• lighting,
• heating
• or cooling

Your structure will still be able to qualify for a grant, however you will be responsible for these costs.

Check out the High Tunnel System Initiative at the NRCS USDA website

To apply for the EQIP grant, look and contact the nearest NRCS office!