High tunnels for crops are quickly becoming part of the Texas agricultural production landscape. Through NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP, Texas has provided upwards of $2 million in financial assistance to help eligible producers build high tunnels across the state. High tunnels are an enclosed polyethylene, polycarbonate, plastic, or fabric covered structure that is used to cover and protect crops from sun, wind, excessive rainfall, or cold and can extend a growing season in an environmentally safe manner.
Kristy Oates, State Resource Conservationist
254.742.9805
Mark Habiger, Assistant State Conservationist-Programs
254.742.9881
Purpose
High tunnels help:
Improve plant health and vigor
Maintain or improve soil health
Extend the growing season
Improve plant quality and soil quality
Reduce nutrient and pesticide transportation
Improve air quality through reduced transportation inputs
Reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce
Supporting conservation practices
Conservation Crop Rotation
Cover Crop
Critical Area Planting
Diversion Integrated Pest Management
Irrigation Water Management
Mulching
Roof Runoff Structure
Nutrient Management
Underground Outlet
Heavy Use Protection
Who can apply
EQIP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to individuals, legal entities, Native American Tribes, or joint operations engaged in agricultural production. NRCS accepts and processes EQIP applications on a continuous basis. Producers must submit a complete program application and other documentation to support eligibility to be considered for financial assistance through EQIP.
Cliff Kinnibrugh,
NRCS Conservation Agronomist, San Angelo Zone Office
