I was browsing my latest catalog from farmtech and came across an ad saying ‘free high tunnel’. I had to look and found out that if you fill out the proper forms the gov’ment will indeed give you the funding for a high tunnel green house. Thought that was interesting and someone maybe could use one, I’m starting the application process tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted. www.nrcs.usda.gov
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I’ve read about that. Unlike ads that claim the gov’t will subsidize this, that, or the other, this one is a legitimate program. It’s not always full funding, but can often subsidize the majority of the cost for purchasing a high tunnel. Not a program for the impatient because it can take a few years for an application to get through approval and funding.
Chikn, you’ve got the land and the agricultural experience that I think this program could be a possibility for you. I’ll be in your cheering section.
I hope you and any others who apply keep this thread updated with your experiences throughout the process. If anyone here has already applied I hope they also respond to your thread with their experiences.
Ive seen the program before also. I built a large 35’x18’ PVC high tunnel a few years ago and its been key to our tomato success…but alas its seen too many wind storms and is ready for the junk pile. Been mulling over if I wanted to replace it. This may be a good option. Thanks for reminding me.
That’s a beautiful garden you have, Eric, and a beautiful view!
I spent a year (2013-14) living in the White Mts in eastern AZ, and made a lot of drives to both Tucson and Phoenix, and am trying to figure out from the picture where you are located. 
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To qualify for an application for a hoop house you first have to be an Agricultural producer. That would be someone who produces an ag commodity such as a you pick farm, cattle raiser, or growing vegetables for public such as farmer market. Someone growing food for his family and friends would not qualify.
Next the land would need to be classified as cropland and have a cropping history, You would have to get a farm number from the Farm Service Agency. You can then apply for the hoop house with the Natural Resources Conservation Service if you meet all the other qualifications.
The application would be ranked. People that have not received a contract for a hoop house before will outrank those that have not gotten a hoop house before. The highest ranked applications will be funded first. There tends to be alot of ties and the tie is broken by a randomly generated number. Those that are on the top of the list will be funded until money that was set aside for hoop houses is used up. The funding is by state, at least it is in Texas.
The payment rate for the house is pretty significant. I know of one person that was funded and he said it basically paid for the house but not installation. To get the payment the house of course must be put it. After you get funded you are reimbursed when the house is completed and meets all specs.
I have no doubt what you have reported is true, it has the ring of truth, like the other situations that the gov’ment sets up to “help you”. After a short conversation with the official at state level, I’m rethinking the wisdom of having any government assistance. Although many of their ideas and instructions are helpful, even wise, the thought of big brother’s help will, in all likelihood, stop me further pursuit of a free hoophouse
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Chikn,
Not trying to talk you in or out of applying for gov. assistance but I would call and get an appointment to talk with the local NRCS. They are the people you will be working with. Some offices are more helpful than others. That way you can sit down face to face and see if you want to work with that person or not. With hoop houses (called seasonal high tunnels in NRCS) there is practice lifespan that you must maintain the seasonal high tunnel for I believe 5 years. After that there is no regulations.