High Tunnel Management Perspectives from Underserved Emerging Populations from Attendants at the 12th Annual Immigrant and Minority Farmers Conference in St.Paul, Minnesota

Abstract

Places with extreme climate conditions and short growing seasons, such as the Upper Midwest region of the United States, limit farmers’ total output. Many Farmers are learning new techniques that allow them to extend the growing season, increase crop productivity, and subsequently, profitability. In recent years, high tunnels, also known as hoop houses, have been increasing in popularity as a season extension tool (Carey et al., 2009). High tunnels are plastic-covered structures with metal poles over bare ground. They are commonly maintained with no or minimal external heat. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is a federal program designed to assist farmers in implementing conservation practices. Cost share funding through EQIP supports the construction of high tunnels to farmers as conservation practice. Historically, underserved populations such as socially underrepresented or emerging farmers applying for EQIP funds receive higher funding assistance in addition to consideration in high priority funding categories. Few from these populations seek funding, so they may face unknown barriers in accessing EQIP support awareness. The objective of this research was to learn from current and potential growers how to improve the reach of government assistance programs such as EQIP to serve underserved emerging farmers. A verbal and written survey was conducted at the 12th Annual Minority and Immigrant Farmer Conference on January 2017 at the University of Minnesota. The survey indicated the majority of survey respondents are utilizing the NRCS program, and similar resources like it, but have been running into various challenges.