Page 9 - Griffin Gazette - June 2023

WHAT IS A HIGH TUNNEL? CAN THE FILM BE REMOVED? WHAT IF I WANT TO SCALE MY
A high tunnel is an inexpensive structure High tunnels are usually covered with STRUCTURE OVER TIME? CAN I
that protects a field-grown crop from a single layer, polyethylene film. One of UPGRADE A TUNNELPRO TO A
rain, frost, and wind. High tunnels differ the primary benefits of high tunnels is GREENHOUSE?
from greenhouses in several ways. First, the ease of opening the structure, i.e. A TunnelPro is perfectly designed to
they are not climate controlled. These quick roll up of the film. For example, in cover a lot of ground at an affordable
are unheated spaces without exhaust Harnois’ TunnelPro, the film is secured price. TunnelPro is easily scalable
or HAF fans. Air flow and temperature with simple nylon straps that are easily to cover more space by adding
are managed with roll up sides or by released to allow the cover to roll all the more tunnels/bays. Because these
removing the cover entirely. Second, way to the peak. Side walls and ends are lightweight structures, they are
high tunnels are light weight structures. are easily opened, too. Sidewall roll up not intended to grow-up into true
While wind rated, high tunnels cannot operation can also be automated. greenhouse structures. If your business
support hanging baskets, lights, plan includes a true greenhouse,
light dep systems, or any of the other DO HIGH TUNNELS WORK FOR then consider Harnois’ Ovaltech
infrastructure associated with seasonal HIGH WIRE CROPS? free standing, ground to ground
or year-round greenhouses. These Yes! High tunnels are a great option structure. Ovaltechs are cost effective
are three-season structures, not rated to get an early turn on tomatoes or greenhouses that can graduate from a
for snow loads; the poly roof must be cucumbers to get that first-to-market high-tunnel like installation to a climate-
removed during the winter. price. Harnois has a new Trellis controlled greenhouse.
Support System designed just for this
WHY CHOOSE A HIGH TUNNEL? application with their TunnelPro. WHAT ARE NRCS GRANTS?
High tunnels are the perfect solution The USDA’s Natural Resources
for protecting large crop areas of field WHAT ABOUT MY EQUIPMENT? Conservation Service (NRCS) offers
grown fruits, veggies, or greens from WILL I BE INCREASING MY financial assistance for high tunnel
unpredictable weather. They are also a LABOR COSTS BY GROWING purchases through their Environmental
great choice for cut flower production. UNDER COVER? Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Get
While they are not heated, high tunnels These are big, open structures, 28- started by contacting your local NRCS
can afford enough protection and 31' wide with inside clearance of up to office. Once your project is evaluated,
capture enough sun-driven heat load 132". The ends are unobstructed; small you can submit an application. Your
to serve as simple season extenders. tractors and other equipment can drive application will be ranked, with awards
Depending on the crop, this can translate right through a high tunnel. issued as EQIP contracts. If you sign
to 1-2 additional turns or harvests per the contract, funds will be dispersed to
year. Protecting crops with high tunnels HOW MUCH DO THEY COST? you following construction and NRCS
is a recognized path to improving plant High tunnels are an affordable way to inspection. Griffin is experienced with
and soil quality, reducing pesticide use, cover large crop areas. For example, the NCRS grant process. We can quote
and improving crop size and yields. pricing for a TunnelPro connected projects that match the criteria and
tunnel solution should land in the range supply the structure to you once you
of $2.50-$4.00 per square foot, about have your EQIP contract.
half the price of a ground to ground Get more information here:
greenhouse. Of course, this will vary https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-
based on the location and options initiatives/eqip-high-tunnel-initiative
desired.