NRCS High Tunnel Funding for Hoop Houses

Daniel Roberts
May 9
4 min read

A high tunnel — often called a hoop house or greenhouse — is a product recognized by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), eligible growers can receive financial assistance to help cover the cost of installing a high tunnel on their farm.

High tunnels give farmers a reliable way to extend the growing season, protect crops from harsh weather, and improve soil and water management. At Roberts Ranch Hoophouses, we design and build durable, NRCS-ready hoop house kits that support conservation goals while meeting the real-world needs of growers.

This program is commonly used by market gardeners, small farms, diversified operations, and producers looking to extend their growing season while improving conservation outcomes.

What Is the NRCS High Tunnel Initiative?

The NRCS High Tunnel Initiative helps farmers and growers offset the cost of building a high tunnel (or hoop house). This program, offered through EQIP, supports local food production and sustainable conservation practices.

High tunnels provide greater control over growing conditions—helping you protect plants from unpredictable weather, extend the growing season, and manage soil moisture and nutrients more efficiently. Because they help reduce runoff, save water, and boost productivity, high tunnels are recognized by NRCS as a valuable conservation tool.

With an NRCS-approved high tunnel, growers can:

Extend the growing season and increase yields
Improve soil health and plant quality.
Reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff.
Lower energy use by supporting local food production.
Protect crops from damaging weather events.

Why High Tunnels Are Considered a Conservation Practice

High tunnels create a more controlled environment that helps farmers use water and nutrients efficiently. By preventing direct rainfall, growers can apply drip or micro-irrigation systems to deliver water exactly where it’s needed—reducing waste and improving consistency.

This approach minimizes erosion, runoff, and fertilizer loss while promoting healthier soils and stronger crops. These are key priorities in NRCS conservation planning.

Soil Health Practices Supported in High Tunnels

High tunnels pair well with a variety of soil health practices encouraged by NRCS, such as:

Cover cropping
Crop rotation
Mulching
Micro-irrigation
Surface and subsurface drainage

Together, these methods help prevent erosion, retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve long-term soil health—all while boosting productivity and sustainability.

Are Roberts Ranch Hoop Houses NRCS-Eligible?

Final eligibility decisions are always made by NRCS at the local level. However, our hoop house kits are designed to meet the typical structural and functional requirements for NRCS-funded high tunnel systems.

We offer multiple designs—including the Gothic Greenhouse Kit and Quonset Greenhouse Kit—so growers can choose the best fit for their location, crop type, and conservation goals.

What’s Included in Every Roberts Ranch Hoop House Kit

Each kit includes everything you need to build a complete, durable high tunnel structure:

Galvanized steel arches, purlins, and roll-up bars
Channel and spring lock for greenhouse plastic
6 mil UV-protected greenhouse plastic for the canopy and end walls
Two manual cranks for roll-up side ventilation
50-foot roll of repair tape
Post pounder and wind rope with eye screws
Complete hardware package
Shopping list for local wood and door materials
Step-by-step installation manual and YouTube video access
Detailed assembly drawings and an operating guide

Materials, Steel Gauge & Greenhouse Plastic

Steel Frame

Our hoop houses use galvanized steel tubing for strength and longevity. Depending on the structure size, we use 14-gauge or 16-gauge steel, with 14-gauge being our standard for added durability and wind resistance.

Greenhouse Plastic

We supply 6 mil UV-protected greenhouse plastic backed by a 4-year factory warranty. With proper care, most customers find it lasts well beyond the warranty period.

Keep in mind that the warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by animals, improper installation, or extreme weather. Snow loads over 30 pounds per square foot should be cleared to prevent structural stress

Additional Products & Upgrades

Once you’ve ordered your high tunnel, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your kit with a variety of upgrades to better suit your needs.

Choose steel end walls for added strength and long-term durability in place of wood end walls. We also offer a selection of door upgrades, along with interior bracing, earth anchors, and other reinforcement options designed to increase stability and performance in all conditions. In addition, we carry a range of accessories such as shade cloth, fans, thermometers, and climate-control tools to help you create the ideal growing environment year-round.

Installation & Support

We make installation simple and stress-free. Each kit includes detailed drawings, step-by-step written instructions, and video tutorials. You can install it yourself with basic tools, or work with a local contractor if you prefer a professional setup.

How to Apply for NRCS EQIP High Tunnel Funding

While specific requirements vary by location, here’s the general process:

Contact your local NRCS office
Discuss your farm’s needs and conservation goals.
Apply through the EQIP program.
Wait for approval and funding details.
Purchase and install your high tunnel.

Your NRCS agent can help guide you through each step of the process to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Serving Growers Nationwide

At Roberts Ranch Hoophouses, we proudly serve growers across the United States. Our hoop house kits ship by freight and are engineered to perform in a wide range of climates—from humid southern farms to cold northern regions.

If you’re planning to apply for NRCS EQIP funding or want help choosing the right hoop house for your operation, we’re happy to answer questions and walk you through your options.