2015 Georgia Organics Conference Recipe for Change High Tunnel Production Bryan Barrett GA-NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

Who is NRCS? The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a Federal agency within the US Department of Agriculture Created in 1935 during the dust bowl, originally named as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Provide technical and financial assistance to private landowners to help people conserve their natural resources Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRCS is not a regulatory agency Provide technical assistance in... natural resource planning design & engineering implementation of techniques used to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and protect natural resources Natural Resources Conservation Service

What is the 2014 Farm Bill? The Agriculture Act of 2014 (Farm Bill) established the policies and federal funding levels for agriculture, agricultural research, nutrition programs, rural economic development program, and more. Signed by President Obama on February 7, 2014 Natural Resources Conservation Service

2014 Farm Bill This Farm Bill continues our focus on critical resource concerns – USDA is able to assist farmers, ranchers, non-industrial private forest landowners and other land stewards with addressing the resource issues of today while having the flexibility to address emerging issues. Natural Resources Conservation Service

2014 Farm Bill Forestry Changes Financial Assistance Easement Partnership Natural Resources Conservation Service

General Program Eligibility USDA Records Established? Farm Number Tract Number Crops Reported Filed/Update AD-1026 (Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation Certification) Filed/Update CCC-931 (Payment Eligibility Average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Certification) Filed/Updated CCC-902 (Farm Operating Plan for Payment Eligibility Review) Natural Resources Conservation Service

Land Eligibility (Program Specific) - Cropping history (FSA records, tax records) - Record keeping (nutrient/pest applied, crops planted etc.) - Irrigation history (2 out 5 years) - Animals present (cows, goats, etc.) Goal is to address a resource concern(s): - soil, water, air, animal, plants, humans Natural Resources Conservation Service

5 Steps to Assistance Natural Resources Conservation Service Planning – Visit local NRCS office and work with staff on a conservation plan Application – With the help of NRCS, complete an application Eligibility - Find out you’re eligibility for NRCS financial assistance Ranking - NRCS ranks applications according to local resource concerns Implementing – Put conservation to work, sign a contract and implement the conservation practices Natural Resources Conservation Service

High Tunnel Hoop House

High Tunnel Hoop House A polyethylene covered structure with no electrical ventilation or heating. It is at least 6 feet high and modifies the climate to create more favorable growing conditions for crops grown in the natural soil within the covered space. The purpose is to extend the growing season, improve plant quality, improve soil quality, and improve water quality from reduced nutrient and pesticide transport. Structures can be permanent and movable. A lot of interest is headed toward movable based on cropping needs. The area under the high tunnel is set to become prime growing conditions, this includes weeds & disease as well. It is important to control weed & disease growth prior to construction and throughout the growing season inside the structure as well as immediately outside. Irrigation must be available since rain fall is prevented. Micro irrigation (drip tape) is the best for this system. Roof runoff must be addressed to prevent severe erosion issues. This can be done with installing French drain system along the sides or insure sufficient permanent cover exist around structure.

HIGH TUNNEL INITIATIVE The maximum payment for financial assistance is $7,000 per year. Payment rates are $3.37/sq. ft for General and $4.04/sq. ft. for Outreach. Structure must be a prefabricated package with a minimum 4 year manufacturer’s warranty on the covering. The land must have been irrigated for two of the past five years to be eligible for an irrigation system. The land must have cropping history (GM 440, Part 502) Participants must be on record with the Farm Service Agency and meet all eligibility requirements including producer and land eligibilities. The tunnel frame must be at least 6 feet in height with a minimum 6-mil UV resistant polyethylene cover. Operation and management will include control of internal temperatures in the early growing season, and removal of plastic covers in the event of extreme weather which may compromise structure Reimbursement will be made only after the structure is completely constructed and inspected by NRCS personnel.

For additional information Contact: Bryan Barrett 706-546-2039 Visit the GA NRCS website: www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Natural Resources Conservation Service