USDA to launch high tunnel pilot study to increase availability of locally grown foods
Government pays up to 75 percent of a new high tunnel in the next 3 years
Dec. 16, 2009 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced a new pilot project under the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels - also known as hoop houses - to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way. Merrigan and other Obama administration officials highlighted opportunities available for producers in a video posted on USDA's YouTube channel which shows high tunnels recently installed in the White House garden.
"There is great potential for high tunnels to expand the availability of healthy, locally-grown crops - a win for producers and consumers," said Merrigan. "This pilot project is going to give us real-world information that farmers all over the country can use to decide if they want to add high tunnels to their operations. We know that these fixtures can help producers extend their growing season and hopefully add to their bottom line."
The 3-year, 38-state study will verify if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season, increasing yields, and providing other benefits to growers.
Made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe covered with a layer of plastic sheeting, high tunnels are easy to build, maintain and move. High tunnels are used year-round in parts of the country, providing steady incomes to farmers - a significant advantage to owners of small farms, limited-resource farmers and organic producers.
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide financial assistance for the project through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the EQIP Organic Initiative, and the Agricultural Management Assistance program. NRCS will fund one high tunnel per farm. High tunnels in the study can cover as much as 5 percent of 1 acre. Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin are participating states.
To sign up or learn more about EQIP assistance for high tunnel projects, contact a local NRCS office.
Postville Students Enjoy Local Apples
The Postville Food & Fitness High School Team used some of their grant funding from the FFI to purchase local apples to share as a snack. Apples were purchased from Peake Orchard near Waukon.
The Postville FFA Chapter is also planning to plant several apple trees on the school grounds as a source of food for future classes.
Northeast Iowa Buy Fresh, Buy Local
your source for fresh, local food
Welcome to the Northeast Iowa Buy Fresh, Buy Local page. We are excited to connect you to those farmers who grow food for you!
This website is the on-line companion to the annual Upper Iowa Buy Fresh Buy Local Food Directory. Memberships are renewed each March. This directory is part of the Iowa Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign (www.bfbliowa.org).
The Local Food Directory and the Iowa Fresh Food website currently highlight producers in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties. Producers outside of the region are welcome to participate.
There are currently 3 levels of membership:
1. $100 Large Ad Package. Business card size ad, BFBL member sign, banner listing and link on website, marketing materials.
2. $50 Membership Package. 5 line ad, multiple listings in different sections, BFBL member sign, website listing, marketing materials.
3. $15 Basic Package. 1 line listing in one section.
Any food producers or retailers who would like to be listed in the directory or on this website should call the Allamakee County Extension office at 563-568-6345. The directory includes listings for producers of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, honey, herbs and syrups. In addition, local farmers markets, stores and restaurants featuring local food are also listed. Directory items need to be received by April 30 to be included in the publication.
The Buy Fresh Buy Local Movement
Buy Fresh Buy Local (BFBL) chapters are popping up in every community across the USA. There are eight BFBL chapters in Iowa including one here in northeast Iowa.
BFBL Chapter Affiliates are connecting consumers in communities throughout the country to the freshest, most delicious locally grown and locally produced foods available. Through outreach education, fun events, festivals, farmers markets and by supporting local food system revitalization our chapter members and chapter affiliates are hard at work expanding the availability and quality of locally grown and produced foods.
Buy Fresh, Buy Local Iowa was developed as a collaboration between Practical Farmers of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, FoodRoutes Network and other founding Buy Fresh, Buy Local states. The FoodRoutes Network, Kellogg Foundation, USDA and Wallace Genetic Foundation provide financial support for development of the program in Iowa.
In Iowa, the Black Hawk County Chapter has helped double local food purchases among twenty three institutional buyers, including hospitals, retirement homes, restaurants, grocers, and colleges. Together, these institutions spent approximately $465,000 on locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy and baked goods in 2004 - dollars that otherwise might not have been invested locally.
Help make a difference with us! Take the “Buy Local Challenge” by pledging to spend just $10 per week or more on local foods and make a difference in your community. Visit www.foodroutes.org for more information.
Keep up to date with Buy Fresh, Buy Local Iowa as we connect Farmers and Consumers and promote fresh delicious foods at www.bfbliowa.org. For more information about our local chapter, contact Teresa Wiemerslage at 563-568-6345.
The Northeast Iowa Food & Farm (NIFF) Coalition and the Food & Fitness Initiative are working together to create community environments that support access to fresh, locally grown, healthy, affordable food and safe environments for physical activity and play.
