Dameion White, an extension assistant at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, said that the use of a high tunnel system—commonly known as a "hoop house"—is a protection measure that is becoming more and more popular with farmers, but today it is applying for an incentive program. The last day is the house.

These structures protect crops from extreme weather and allow farmers to extend the growing season. According to the press release, producers can obtain financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).

Producers can register for the program at any time of the year. However, the deadline for funding in 2021 is today. All applications will be reviewed and ranked to determine who will be accepted into the program in 2021.

Producers can pick up and submit an application at the local U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service Office. If necessary, UAPB small farm program extension staff can assist participants to fill out the application form and choose the method to apply.

"With a high tunnel system, there is no summer that is too short or winter is too cold-farmers can continue to produce their crops," White said. "High tunnel structures are usually made of steel and covered with polyethylene. They are relatively easy to install. They look like large greenhouses, but there are no benches and are planted directly in the soil."

According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Highland Tunnel allows farmers to grow crops early in the spring, late in the fall, and sometimes throughout the year. And because high tunnels prevent direct rainfall from reaching the plants, farmers can use precision tools such as drip irrigation to effectively deliver water and nutrients to the plants.

White said that other benefits of the high tunnel system include: improving plant and soil quality, enhancing the ability to control pests, reducing the need for pesticides, and preventing some pesticides from drifting.

According to the NRCS website, many soil health measures can be used in highland tunnels, including cover crops and crop rotation, which can also prevent erosion, suppress weeds, increase soil moisture and break the cycle of pests and diseases.

Farmers can apply for this and other practices throughout the year. Payment after the implementation of the protective measures and activities identified in the EQIP plan. The contract can last up to 10 years.

White said: "Socially disadvantaged, junior and resource-limited farmers and Indian tribes are eligible for higher payment rates and may receive up to 50% upfront payments to purchase materials and services for implementation in their EQIP program. Safeguard."

He said that the payment for the high tunnel system is based on square feet. For example, last year, historically underserved farmers received a rate of $3.45 per square foot. Most of these systems are 100 feet by 40 feet—4,000 square feet in total. The payment received was calculated using 4,000 square feet at a rate of $3.45, so the total payment for each hoop is $13,800.

Details: Karen Lee, UAPB Small Farm Project, email: leek@uapb.edu or (870) 575-7225.

The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff provides all extension and research projects and services without discrimination.

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