Agricultural authorities offering funds to Nevada farmers for ‘high tunnel’ growing program

Service touting Nevada farm ‘high tunnel’ program

RENO, Nev. — The federal Agriculture Department says guidelines for a pilot project in Nevada to build farm structures called “high tunnels” have been released by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Authorities say high tunnels must be installed on existing cultivated land by applicants who raise or sell at least $1,000 worth of agricultural products each year.

NRCS field offices have information about how applicants can recoup about 75 percent of the cost of the structure and related costs.

High tunnels are metal or plastic bow frames at least 6 feet high, covered with a layer of polyethylene.

Officials say they can extend the growing season and allow for the production of sensitive and specialty crops like vegetables, herbs and berries in areas where they otherwise may not grow.