What is the NRCS? How can you get funding for a new high tunnel or upgrades to your existing greenhouse equipment? Is it easy to apply for and get funding? How do I begin the application process?
Rimol is your trusted partner that can help you get NRCS funding and can be a valuable resource for you in answering these questions. Rimol has been working with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) agencies throughout the United States for well over 15 years.
Here is our comprehensive guide to NRCS high tunnel grant programs. If your question is not answered here, fill out a Contact Us request or call our office at (603) 629-9004 and we can help!
What is the NRCS?
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). NRCS is responsible for providing technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and private landowners to address natural resources concerns and help preserve sustainability. The NRCS operates field offices in every state in the U.S. to support growers at the local level.
What is NRCS EQIP?
The NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP, is an overarching program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address conservation and natural resources concerns. The High Tunnel Initiative is part of NRCS EQIP. Other initiatives intended to support agricultural conservation are part of EQIP, such as the Organic Initiative, the Air Quality Inititiave and the On-Farm Energy Initiative.
Who is eligible to apply for NRCS funding?
The NRCS High Tunnel Initiative and EQIP funding is open to many kinds of growers, including small farmers and homesteaders. You must be registered with the Farm Service Agency to ensure you own and control the land you are growing on. The NRCS is size-neutral, so growers of any size are welcome to apply.
NRCS High Tunnel Initiative
What is the NRCS High Tunnel Inititiave?
The NRCS High Tunnel Initiative is a program designed to provide financial and technical support for agricultural producers to begin growing in high tunnel structures. High tunnels provide many benefits that align with NRCS conservation goals, including extending the growing season, improving plant and soil quality, reducing pesticides and reducing energy usage. Through this program, growers can receive federal funding to support the purchase of a new high tunnel for their farm.
What are the requirements for the high tunnel structure?
NRCS has a few requirements for what kinds of high tunnels qualify for the cost-share program:
- Plants must be grown directly in soil at the site, not in raised beds or in containers on tables
- High tunnels must be at least 6 feet tall at the peak
- The cover must be at least 6 mil thick and made of a greenhouse-grade, UV resistant material
- The frame can be made of metal, wood, or durable plastic
- NRCS does not allow the use of used materials to construct a high tunnel
- To qualify for the program, the high tunnel must be considered a manufacturer's kit
- The NRCS does not have a maximum size limit for high tunnels, but there is a practice payment cap based on a 30-foot by 72-foot structure
How do I find an NRCS-approved high tunnel kit?
All of Rimol’s high tunnel kits are NRCS-approved by design. Program requirements vary slightly by state, so there may be certain stipulations such as snow and wind loads that we need to plan for, but we can work with you to ensure that the tunnel you buy from us meets all requirements for reimbursement through your NRCS cost-share.
How do I know which high tunnel to buy?
Rimol's regional sales representatives have extensive experience working with growers purchasing a high tunnel through the NRCS. They will work with you to select a high tunnel based on the size of your site, what you are growing, the climate in your area, your goals for your growing operation and any state-specific NRCS requirements. Our sales representatives can also make in-person site visits to evaluate which of our structures will be best suited for your needs.
NRCS On-Farm Energy Initiative
What is the On-Farm Energy Initiative?
The NRCS On-Farm Energy Initiative is another program of EQIP. This initiative helps farmers make improvements to boost energy efficiency on their farm. Greenhouse improvements are one of the items that are eligible for reimbursement through the NRCS On-Farm Energy Initiative.
What kind of greenhouse improvements qualify for On-Farm Energy Initiative funding?
There are many different greenhouse improvements that can improve your energy efficiency and receive reimbursement through the NRCS. Some examples include:
- High efficiency heaters: If your existing propane or natural gas heater is operating below 90% thermal efficiency, you can get reimbursed for the purchase of a high efficiency heater like the Reznor UEZ separated combustion heater.
- Ridge vents: Ridge vents are an automated ventilation solution that offers more energy-efficient terperature and humidity control. A ridge vent can be retrofit onto your existing greenhouse.
- Environmental controllers: If you are controlling your greenhouse environment with thermostats or even manually, NRCS funding can be used to purchase an automated environmental control system for your high tunnel.
The NRCS EQIP Application Process
How do I apply for NRCS EQIP?
The best way to get started with NRCS EQIP funding is to get in touch with your local NRCS field office and set up a meeting with a conservation planner. Your local NRCS representatives will walk you through the specifics of EQIP funding in your state and can help you make a plan to secure financial assistance for a new high tunnel or greenhouse upgrades. You can find your nearest NRCS agency office on the USDA website.
Early on in the process, we also recommend getting a quote for your high tunnel or greenhouse equipment. Having an idea of your total equipment costs will help you budget and request the right amount of funding. Rimol Greenhouse Systems can provide you with a free quote that you can use for your grant application.
What is involved in an NRCS grant application?
You will need to fill out a few different forms as part of your application process. To apply for NRCS grants, you'll first fill out an AD 1026, which certifies a conservation plan for highly erodible land and wetlands. Your actual NRCS application will be a form CPA 1200. This is where you will outline how your high tunnel or greenhouse energy upgrades will improve conservation for your farm.
When is the deadline to apply for NRCS funding?
NRCS grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, each state operates on a funding cycle with a "ranking date." Applications that are received after the ranking date roll into the next funding cycle. You can see a list of ranking dates by states here.
How do I make sure that my NRCS grant application is approved?
As part of your application, you'll be asked to develop an EQIP plan of operations that addresses at least one natural resource concern. It is important to focus your application on how your high tunnel will help you to address this natural resource concern. Rimol has experience helping farmers across dozens of states with NRCS high tunnel initiative applications, so we can share some best practices that we’ve learned from over the years.
When will I receive my payment from the NRCS?
NRCS EQIP funding operates on a cost share model, which means that most applicants are required to pay for equipment up-front. After the high tunnel and/or greenhouse equipment are installed, they will be inspected and certified by an NRCS field agent. NRCS funds will then be released to you within a few weeks. If you qualify as a "Historically Underserved Producer," you may be eligible to receive at least 50% of the payment in advance. More information is available here.
NRCS-Approved High Tunnels
Which Rimol high tunnels meet NRCS requirements?
All of Rimol's high tunnels are NRCS-approved by design. Each state's requirements for NRCS high tunnels vary slightly, so we recommend working with your local sales representative to ensure the structure you purchase is the best fit for your area. Our most popular NRCS high tunnel is the Nor'Easter 30' x 72' structure, which is a great choice for small- to medium-sized farms.
How do I purchase a Rimol high tunnel?
You can take a look at the different options for high tunnels on our website, but the best way to purchase a Rimol structure is to get in touch with your regional sales representative. They will make sure that you are getting the best fit high tunnel and accessories to fit your climate and growing needs. Fill out our Request a Quote form and our team will get in touch!
I live in a really windy and snowy area of the country. How do I make sure that my high tunnel won't collapse?
Rimol's high tunnels are engineered to be extremely durable and stand up to the harshest weather conditions in North America. Just ask our customers in Alaska! Our engineering meets International Building Codes and we include wind bracing kits with all high tunnels.
Will Rimol build my high tunnel?
Rimol does not provide installation services, but we do have relationships with qualified installers all across the country who can help build your high tunnel. If you decide to build your high tunnel yourself, Rimol provides comprehensive instruction manuals with photos and color-coded visuals, and our customer service team is happy to answer questions at any point in the process.
Rimol will be your trusted partner to support you at every step of the way during the process of securing NRCS funding for a new high tunnel or greenhouse equipment. If your question is not answered here, fill out a Contact Us request or call our office at (603) 629-9004 and we can help!