Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

NRCS New York is part of an ongoing pilot testing the viability and functionality of seasonal tunnel systems. A seasonal high tunnel is a polyethylene-covered structure at least six feet high which modifies the climate to create more favorable growing conditions for vegetable and other specialty crops grown in the natural soil beneath it.

During the pilot period, high tunnel systems will be eligible for financial assistance, limited to tunnels covering up to five percent of one acre (2,178 square feet) per farm operation. The size is equal to a structure of approximately 30 feet by 72 feet. The Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative also offers conservation practices that support the seasonal high tunnel practice.

Eligible Conservation Practices

View a list of eligible conservation practices.

Ranking Periods

EQIP applications are accepted year-round. NRCS has established three ranking periods for 2012:

Ranking Period 1: February 3, 2012
Ranking Period 2: March 30, 2012
Ranking Period 3: June 1, 2012

To be considered for funding under a ranking period, each application must be received, determined eligible and evaluated by the deadlines listed above.

How to Apply for USDA-NRCS Conservation Programs

Learn what steps you will need to take to prepare for, and submit, your application to become a USDA-NRCS Conservation Program participant.

Learn more information on the criteria required to become an eligible EQIP applicant.

Ranking Tool Explained

New York NRCS uses a web based ranking tool for processing conservation program applications. This ranking tool uses national, state and locally developed questions to select applications which best optimize environmental benefits and achieve national, state and local priorities for conservation contracts. NRCS New York supports locally led conservation, in the delivery of conservation programs, by holding local working group meetings to provide input on natural resource concerns and priorities in each county. Information from these local working groups provides the basis for local ranking questions. All EQIP program applications receive a ranking score and ranked contracts are funded to the extent funding is available.

Financial Assistance Payment Rates, Program Information and Application

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Seasonal High Tunnel Web page
Seasonal High Tunnel - Learn the requirements for building a high tunnel when using USDA funding.

For more information, contact your local USDA Service Center, or visit the USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program Web site.

If you encounter problems with this Web page, please contact the Webmaster at 315-477-6524.

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