The New Hampshire High Tunnel Story

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

New Hampshire January 2011

BACKGROUND

National High Tunnel Conservation Benefits Local Foods Initiatives 3-Year Pilot Program High tunnels can provide a number of Growing food locally, especially before

significant conservation benefits such as and after the traditional growing season, NRCS offered seasonal high tunnels an increase in plant and soil quality, a helps strengthen the local economy and (officially called “seasonal high tunnel decrease in pesticide use and foliar (leaf) helps ensure the viability and profitability system for crops”) as a conservation disease, and improved energy savings. of small farms. When NH farms succeed, practice for the first time in fiscal year Many farmers who want to grow toma- valuable farmland and cultural heritage are (FY) 2010 as part of a three-year trial to toes without using pesticides often find protected. High tunnels are important tools determine their effectiveness in con- they can only do so successfully if they for enhancing the availability of local food serving water, improving soil health, are grown in a tunnel. Without rainfall, year-round. foliar disease is often reduced because

the leaves stay dry. Insects that are com- “As expected, the seasonal high monly a problem in the field may not be “It is phenomenal that winter tunnel pilot has been popular in so in the tunnel because the tunnel tends farmer’s markets in NH have grown New Hampshire. In just one to disrupt their feeding patterns. Other from none four years ago to twenty year, the NRCS-NH helped fund insects that occur in a high tunnel are today. High tunnels provide fresh seventy-nine high tunnels.” often more easily managed using preda- produce for those markets.”

tor insects or non-persistent insecticides. Rick Ellsmore, NH State Conservationist Lorraine Merrill, NH Commissioner of Agriculture High tunnels may also reduce nutrient loss by preventing phosphorus runoff and The USDA’s “Know Your Farmer, Know increasing yields, and reducing trans- nitrogen leaching. Finally, producing food Your Food” initiative, seeks to create new port of agricultural pesticides. After re- locally can improve air quality and de- economic opportunities to promote local ceiving nearly 3,000 applications for crease food transportation energy use. foods. The USDA is trying to connect aver- high tunnels nationwide, the NRCS age Americans and their farmers and to obligated $13 million in fiscal year (FY) help create the link between local produc- 2010 for 2,422 seasonal high tunnels in tion and local consumption. 43 states. New Hampshire obligated the fifth largest amount of money for The NH Department of Agriculture is also high tunnels with $705,469, behind promoting locally grown foods. According Alaska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and to the NH Department of Ag., NH only pro- Missouri. NH funded 79 tunnels, the duces 6% of its food, where Vermont pro- tenth most among the states, in addi- duces 23%. NH only has a two-day supply tion to helping build four additional of produce. Lorraine Merrill, NH Commis- demonstration sites. Cover crop growing in December sioner of Agriculture says this is “unac-

ceptable” and has been working hard to Easy to build and maintain, high tun- change that. On the bright side, there are nels are structures made of metal pipe “High tunnels are a cost-effective currently 20 winter farmer’s markets and 29 with a polyethylene-cover used to ex- approach to conserving our soil Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) tend the growing season in an environ- quality, reducing pesticide use, and mentally safe manner. High tunnels are providing more affordable access to farms in NH. Individuals or families be- different from greenhouses because, local healthy fruits and vegetables for come members of the CSA . In return for our families. This program is another typically, they are unheated, non- an annual membership fee, they receive example of New Hampshire’s role as shares of farm offerings. High tunnels can permanent structures. Additionally, an innovation leader.” high tunnel crops are grown directly in increase the produce sold at winter the soil, rather than in pots or on Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Senator farmer’s markets as well as add to CSA benches like they are in greenhouses. shares.

“By virtue of keeping The New Hampshire High Tunnel Story rain off of crops, high tunnels dramatically increase marketable yields and shelf-life, New Hampshire’s High Tunnel History while also reducing fungal diseases on high- New Hampshire was an ideal participant in NH on high tunnel production in the 1980s. value perishable crops the NRCS High Tunnel Pilot Project, not only From the ‘80s until now, Dr. Wells and Mr. like tomatoes and because of the obvious benefits season ex- Person made improvements in high tunnel raspberries.” tension affords in a northern climate, but design as well as fine tuned crop scheduling Dr. Becky Sideman because NH was instrumental in bringing to maximize profitability. They continue to Assoc. Ext. Professor, high tunnels to national prominence. The show farmers how to extend their growing University of NH University of New Hampshire was one of the season to get maximum return for their in- Sustainable Horticulture first universities to conduct research on high vestment by selling early and late season tunnels through the efforts of Dr. Otho Wells crops. Ed Person was the first NH-based (retired), Dr. Brent Loy, and John McLean. supplier of high tunnels and currently has 23 Dr. Wells began collaborating with Ed Per- of his own at Ledgewood Farm. son of Ledgewood Farm in Moultonborough,

NRCS NH’s High Tunnel Expert

Dr. Brandon Smith, currently an agronomist the UT organic farm – the first research high with the NRCS in NH, has also become a tunnels in the UT system. With the help of high tunnel expert. Dr. Smith worked at Dr. Annette Wszelaki and Mary Rogers, they Left to Right: Otho UNH’s Woodman Horticultural Farm from researched how crops perform in high ver- Wells, Brandon Smith, Ed Person 1995 to 1997 when he was an undergradu- sus low tunnels or with no cover at all. They ate at UNH. At that time, he helped con- also performed variety trials to gain a better

“Producer input was struct and maintain many small high tunnels understanding of growth performance in the valuable for insuring used for research trials. In 2006, Dr. Smith tunnels. His focus was on season extension that tunnels built in became a research professor at the Univer- for hearty winter greens such as spinach, New Hampshire not sity of Tennessee and continued his high kale and other winter vegetables. Dr. Smith only meet the tunnel work. He built three high tunnels on joined the NH NRCS in November of 2008. individual needs of NH producers but are also durable, cost-effective, and The NH NRCS High-Tunnel Pilot provide the best possible conserv- Once NH was chosen for the pilot, the New best possible benefits. The process resulted

ation benefits.” Hampshire high tunnel specifications that in 12 approved stationary high tunnel specifi- would qualify for financial assistance under cations and two approved rolling high tunnel

Rick Ellsmore, the Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops specifications in NH. State Conservationist (798) interim practice standard were created. It was still necessary to tailor the specifica- The NH NRCS provides financial assistance tions for NH’s environment, particularly the for high tunnels through the Environmental concerns of snow load and wind. Through- Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Financial out the process, producers made inquiries assistance is offered for a maximum of 2,178 about differences in tunnels and how they square feet per agricultural operation and are built, giving important feedback on their must meet the following requirements: special needs and challenges. For example,  Tunnel must be maintained according to producer inquiries resulted in plywood end NRCS specifications for a period of 4 Gothic-style tunnels are walls being allowed. This information was required by the NRCS in years. valuable for insuring that tunnels built in NH New Hampshire because with NRCS financial assistance meet the  Provide soil quality, pest, and nutrient in- they hold up best to snow formation to the NRCS related to the high and wind. individual needs of NH producers but are also durable, cost-effective, and provide the tunnel. Page 2 January 2011

The NH NRCS High-Tunnel Pilot (Cont.) “By making high tunnels a special Producers who receive assistance will  The tunnel shall not be used to house need to complete an evaluation ques- livestock. initiative and tionnaire every growing season. creating a separate  The payment rate for new, historically In order to be eligible, growers must have: funding pool in NH, underserved, or limited resource farm- applications ers is $4.75 per square foot and $3.95  Cropland increased.” per square foot for all other applicants.  Control of the land (i.e. own the land or  Tunnels must be gothic-style and have a lease or rental agreement) Rick Ellsmore, meet the criteria listed on NH 789 Ap-  Produced or sold at least $1,000 of State Conservationist proved Product List and Selection agricultural products in the past year. Criteria. In fiscal year 2010,  Electricity, mechanical ventilation and If you currently have a high tunnel, then you New Hampshire heating will be permitted, but NRCS can get assistance to build one additional ranked fifth in the will not provide financial assistance for tunnel, as long as the total square feet of nation for high these items. high tunnels on your land (including the tunnel financial  The tunnel will be installed according tunnel to be built) does not exceed 5% of assistance and had to manufacturer’s instructions. All de- the total acres of cropland. New tunnels can the tenth most high signs must be approved by NRCS. be installed next to each other on the same tunnels.  The width of the tunnel shall not ex- acre of land. ceed 30 feet.

PROGRAM ROLL-OUT

Field Staff Training Once the specifications were complete, the high tunnel program was introduced to NRCS field staff in January of 2010. At that time they received class- room training on high tunnels and were excited and enthusias- NRCS Staff inside a high tunnel tic about the potential for the at the Ledgewood farm practice in NH. In June, over 25 NRCS employees gathered at Ledgewood Farm in Moultonbor- ough, NH for a High Tunnel workshop. The training featured Brandon Smith, Ed Person and Otho Wells who shared their ex- pertise with field staff from sev- eral New England states, cover- NRCS field staff from New Hampshire, ing all aspects of high tunnel pro- Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont spent a duction including planning, site full day at Ledgewood Farm, learning all preparation, construction, crops, aspects of high tunnel management. irrigation, and nutrient and pest management. Page 3 The New Hampshire High Tunnel Story

Public Information and Outreach

In the Spring of 2010, Dr. Smith gave information was posted on the NRCS- two talks at organic producers meetings NH website, and the high tunnel pilot in Keene and Plymouth attended by program was highlighted at State Tech- about 150 producers. Many farmers nical Committee meetings and other heard, for the first time, of the benefits important Agriculture meetings across of high tunnels for their farms and the the State by Rick Ellsmore, the State NRCS program to provide financial as- Conservationist, and the NH NRCS sistance. When producers learned they leadership team. could grow some vegetables almost year-round, the word quickly spread A Contribution Agreement was created across NH. In the fall, two more work- with the NHACD to conduct outreach on shops were held on high tunnel con- Farm Bill Programs, including high tun- struction in Manchester and Plymouth nels throughout New Hampshire. Con- attended by approximately 40 people. servation District personnel held numer- In December, there was another talk in ous workshops, giving out information to Plymouth on managing nutrients in high hundreds of people throughout the tunnels. spring and summer of 2010. High tunnels quickly became a sought-after Throughout the year, District Conserva- practice with NRCS contracts, including tionists met with numerous groups and 79 high tunnels covering 161,233 Roll up sides provide individuals in their counties, press re- square feet, being approved as early as ventilation in the summer leases were issued, fact sheets were April, 2010. created and displayed in all field offices,

“New England grows less than 10% of its own fruits

and vegetables. The 347 high tunnels built under this pilot in the six New England states, including the 79 in NH, will really help narrow the gap between local and long-distance fruit and vegetable production.”

Cris Coffin, New England Director, American Farmland Trust

NRCS NH High Tunnel Fact Sheet posted NRCS NH web page on NRCS NH website and displayed in all dedicated to high tunnels Page 4 field offices January 2011

DEMONSTRATION SITES — The NHACD Partnership “The NHACD is A Contribution Agreement was signed on July 15, 2010 with the New Hampshire Association thrilled to help of Conservation Districts (NHACD) to establish high tunnel demonstration sites. The showcase this NHACD, in turn, partnered with various organizations to build and use the tunnels as well as remarkable make them available to the NRCS, Conservation Districts, and others, for information and technology to education. To date, three sites have been strategically chosen, and four tunnels built, in different geographical locations to reach diverse people in various counties across the state. farmers in NH, “The NHACD is thrilled to help showcase this remarkable technology to farmers in New particularly its Hampshire, particularly its underserved populations like the refugee farmers”, said Bill underserved Stockman, NHACD President. “Having demonstrations also helps our local conservation populations like districts spread the word to their constituents”. the refugee

Manchester, NH: Refugee Farmers and the farmers.” Bill Stockman, International Institute of New Hampshire (IINH) NHACD President (High tunnel construction completed September 2010)

Founded in 1924, IINH helps immi- Manchester, NH Youth Development grants and refugees successfully inte- Center (YDC) land with the help of the grate into New England. Fundamental IINH. Last year, in the ½ acre field to all of the Institute's programs is the produced approximately 3,000 lbs. of vegetables including dry grinding corn, tomatoes, eggplant, okra, mustard “A barrier to getting greens, beans, cucumber, winter melon the refugee farmers and squash. About 50 people farm IINH engaged in using high plots in Manchester, Bedford and Derry, tunnels productively benefitting over 250 family members. Families use the yield or distribute it to is that they need to people in public housing and on finan- see vegetables cial assistance. growing and in production at other This year, with the help of the NHACD and the NRCS, two small high tunnels locations. The were built at the YDC site to showcase concept of it needs to all the different options available for high be seen to be tunnel construction and to demonstrate November Workshop for Producers understood.” that NRCS limits the total square foot- at the IINH High Tunnels in age within high tunnels, not the number Manchester, New Hampshire Dr. Teena Hayden, of high tunnels a producer may have. IINH Agriculture (Financial assistance is available for up under the direction of Brandon Smith, Specialist to 2,178 square feet.) In some applica- has simple, low-cost end walls and roll- tions, due to visibility issues with up sides. The NRCS is also advising promotion of self-sufficiency – giving neighbors, or differences in crops, two the refugee farmers on what to plant clients the tools to help themselves smaller tunnels are better. One was and when. As of mid-December, an oil become active participants in the so- constructed by John Wells and Adam seed radish cover crop was still grow- cial, political and economic richness of Earle and is a more expensive tunnel ing in the tunnels to build up soil nutri- American life. For the past two years, with all steel frames and sliding end ents. Radishes can help alleviate soil Burundi, Bhutanese, and Iraqi refugees doors. The second tunnel, constructed compaction and help retain nutrients. have been farming a ½ acre lot on the by volunteers, including Paul Doolittle (Cont. on page 6) and the refugee farmers, Page 5 The New Hampshire High Tunnel Story

Manchester, NH: Refugee Farmers and the International Institute of New Hampshire

(Continued from page 5)

Dr. Teena Hayden, IINH Agriculture Spe- cialist, hopes to expand into farmers’ markets and other vending opportunities. “Unfortunately”, she says, “most farmers’ markets don’t accept food stamps and low income people or refugees perceive that the produce is too expensive.” This is a hurdle she’s working to overcome. Dr. Hayden adds, “A barrier to getting the refugee farmers engaged in using the high tunnels productively is that they need to see vegetables growing and in production at other locations. The concept of it needs to be seen to be understood.” She took one of the Bhutanese women to see a high tunnel in production and, after seeing it, the woman simply said, “A good idea.” Through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), two high tunnels have been approved by the NRCS for the Institute's beginning farmers training site in Derry owned by Paul Doolittle. There, refugees will be growing ethnic crops using season extension techniques In a group effort, professionals John Wells and Paul Doolittle, Brandon that can greatly increase yields of hot pep- Smith, and the refugee farmers helped get the plastic covering over the pers, okra, bitter melon, and mustard high tunnel before it could be secured to the end walls with wiggle wire. greens. Many are fulfilling the work experience requirements necessary to receive state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. The TANF program requires people to show they’ve worked a certain amount to get benefits and is often called the welfare to work program.

There is also the opportunity to expand at the YDC land for production gardens and the IINH gardens are a place people can work and have their time sheets signed in order to gain TANF assistance. As TANF program participants learn of this, more people may want to farm at the Derry and Manchester sites.

Page 6 Bhutanese and Burundian farmers at the demonstration site on 12/23/10 January 2011

DEMONSTRATION SITES

Whitefield, NH: White Mountains Regional High School “For every (High tunnel construction completed early December, 2010) layer you have, The White Mountains Regional High School has a vocational agriculture program for high you gain a school students taught by Doug Paul. The goal is to expose students to careers in agricul- hardiness ture. Produce from the high tunnels at this location will zone.” be used by the cafeteria for school lunches.

Robert Knight and Jeremy St. James built the 22 ft. x Eliot Coleman, Author of 48 ft. high tunnel from a different manufacturer than the The Winter Harvest IINH tunnels with different end walls. Plantings are on raised beds inside the tunnel, unlike the Manchester site. Other sites also use low tunnels inside the high tunnel. Low tunnels are usually a fabric row cover, either put directly over the crop or supported. The NRCS does not currently allow financial assistance for low tunnels, but, as the expert Eliot Coleman advises, Low tunnels add another level of “For every layer you have, you gain a hardiness zone.” protection for plants subject to The NH NRCS is currently evaluating low tunnels and harsh temperatures. may include them in a financial assistance program at a later date. North Conway, NH: NH Institute of Agriculture and Forestry An inside look under a (NHIAF) (High tunnel construction in progress) “low tunnel” The NHIAF is an agriculture and forestry important rest periods for the soil, and business incubator offering a common loca- help with crop scheduling. For example, a tion (farm) to help people develop a new cool-season crop like spinach is typically venture by taking advantage planted in the fall during cool of resources and sharing “Any NH farmer weather. A high tunnel can be “Rolling tunnels capital-intensive costs. who does not grow used to help extend spinach can be moved NHIAF specifically serves the peppers under some growth into November and when rainfall is agriculture and forestry in- kind of structure all December, but if the crop is dustries of NH, where high planted inside a high tunnel needed to season long is ask- land prices and other start-up ing for a crop that too early in the fall, exces- provide for costs make it hard for the sively warm temperatures will loses money. All it natural leaching aspiring farmer or forester. inhibit growth. By using a roll- takes is a simple of accumulated NHIAF was the first business ing high tunnel, the spinach incubator to operate on 100% cover to make all can be planted outside under salt, and to renewable energy. the difference!” cooler, natural conditions, improve crop then the tunnel can be rolled Suzanne Brown Every farmer needs to dem- over the crop when it gets scheduling.” NHIAF Executive Director onstrate a dedication to farm- cooler. Many farmers find that ing sustainably with a spirit of continuing the they can use a rolling tunnel to extend Dr. Brandon Smith NHIAF culture of giving back. This site will production for a warm season crop like NH NRCS Agronomist showcase a 22 x 48 ft. rolling tunnel with a tomatoes, then, once the tomatoes are focus on winter production. Rolling tunnels finished, the tunnel can be rolled over the are increasing in popularity due to their abil- winter crops like spinach, kale, or winter ity to enable cover cropping, provide broccoli. Page 7

The New Hampshire High Tunnel Story

EQIP FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SITE

White Gates Farm, Tamworth, NH

Hank Letarte of White Gates Farm is a that there wasn’t enough time before he “Even in the high-energy agricultural producer who begins tomatoes again in mid-February. recognizes a good idea when he sees it. “I have more to learn about crop rotation dead of winter, High tunnels were one of those bright in high tunnels to maximize production, growing in a ideas. After hearing about the technol- but this is only my first year”, he said. ogy, he visited his NRCS service center high tunnel is and learned that the high tunnel pilot had Mr. Letarte enthusiastically informs like farming just started. He promptly signed up for amazed colleagues and acquaintances that “having the high tunnel in New Hamp- 900 miles two high tunnels to cover the maximum square foot allowed. He and his sons did shire in winter is like growing 900 miles south in all the construction work themselves, re- south in Raleigh, NC.” When it is ten be- Raleigh, North sulting in sig- low out, the soil temperature is between 24 and 27 Carolina.” nificant savings. But, degrees

work is not which Hank Letarte something doesn’t Hank shies adversely away from. affect car- Deb Eddison, rots, beets, or lettuce. NRCS Soil Lettuce growing in NH high tunnel in January. Conservationist says that when Hank is ready to do White Gates Farm sells its produce to local something, it gets done in “the blink of an businesses where his lettuce is featured in eye, and done well.” their delicious salads. Hank says that he aims to educate more local chefs on the Mr. Letarte hopes his farm will become a benefits of winter greens where “slower year-round vegetable farm and high tun- growth increases flavor.” He also supplies nels were a big step toward realizing that produce to the Community School in Tam- goal. He is currently (in January) growing worth for their school lunches and special peas, lettuce, beets and carrots in one of Thursday lunches for members of the his two high tunnels. He grew tomatoes community who can experience a delicious in the other tunnel well into December. meal with Letarte’s winter greens in ex- He thought about planting garlic but felt change for a small donation.

Hank Letarte explains how he covers the crops at night for further protection and uncovers them during sunlight hours for growth.

Crops covered for nighttime Snow quickly melts off of the Page 8 protection . tunnel when the sun comes out. January 2011

Education LESSONS LEARNED: THE REQUIRED 6 ML. UV-RESISTANT GREENHOUSE- UNH Cooperative Exten- GRADE PLASTIC IS A CRUCIAL MINIMUM. sion State Specialists and County Educators and the PAY ATTENTION TO EROSION CONTROL. HIGH NH Department of Agricul- TUNNELS CONSTRUCTED LATE IN THE SEASON ture, Markets, and Food, SHOULD BE MULCHED IF A SOD COVER CANNOT BE will be assisting with the ESTABLISHED. high tunnel effort in NH by USE LOW TUNNELS INSIDE HIGH TUNNELS TO PROVIDE providing workshops on ADDITIONAL BENEFITS. high tunnel construction and crop management, ASK THE NRCS TO HELP WITH SOIL HEALTH TESTING conducting tours to pro- INSIDE TUNNELS. mote local foods, and PLASTIC ON ROLL-UP SIDES CAN RIP EASILY IF NOT writing case studies on the SECURED WITH ROPES OR OTHER MEANS. benefits of high tunnels in MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF PLASTIC IS order to share the lessons CONTINUOUS. learned from the NRCS high tunnel pilot.” IT’S BEST TO CONSTRUCT STURDY END WALLS AND DOORS.

EQIP FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SITE

One of two high tunnels at White Gates Farm (left). Using a small fan, (below) costing about 14 cents a day to inflate the area between two layers of plastic, adds insulation, reduces snow build-up, and protects against wind damage.

Page 9 January 2011 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

New Hampshire

Quality Assurance 2 Madbury Rd. $705,469 in NRCS financial Durham, NH 03824 NRCS staff, trained on how to evaluate assistance (FY 2010) helped Phone: 603-868-9931 whether or not high tunnels meet NRCS speci- fund the installation of 79 Fax: 603-868-5301 fications, have visited all approved high tunnel [email protected] sites. All sites are inspected and certified be- high tunnels throughout all fore a payment is made. Completed means 10 NH counties with 4 addi- that the high tunnel is totally built and all dis- tional demonstration sites. www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov turbed areas have been properly reseeded.

IINH refuge farmer display site during construction in September (left), and in December, 2010 (right)

Program Statistics

To date, $705,469 in NRCS financial assistance (FY 2010) helped fund the installation of 79 high tunnels throughout all 10 NH counties with four additional demonstration sites constructed under a Contribution Agreements with the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts (NHACD). There are 347 tunnels constructed under the pilot program in the six New England States. All NH Seasonal High Tunnel Practices funded in FY 2010 by County Greens growing in a NH High Tunnel AMA EQIP Total in December, 2010 Num- Square Num- Square Num- Square County ber* feet ber* feet ber* feet Belknap 0 0 7 14940 7 14940 Carroll 0 0 6 13068 6 13068 Cheshire 0 0 5 8712 5 8712 Coos 0 0 3 6534 3 6534 Grafton 0 0 14 29526 14 29526 Hillsbor- ough 0 0 12 25624 12 25624 Merri- mack 4 8694 11 21871 15 30565 Rocking- ham 0 0 9 17208 9 17208 Strafford 1 2178 5 8522 6 10700 Sullivan 2 4356 0 0 2 4356 TOTAL 7 15228 72 146005 79 161233

* each item could be one large or two small tunnels

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