NRCS Funding for Kwik Hoops
Good news!
The NRCS department of the USDA has funding available to help you pay for your purchase of a Kwik Hoops low tunnel system!
Many U.S. farmers know the NRCS (National Resources Conservation Service) reimbursement program for high tunnels called EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program).
Did you know that EQIP has recently launched an initiative to help cover the cost of low tunnels?
It’s true!
Kwik Hoops meet and exceed the NRCS quality requirements for the low tunnels cost-share program.
Funds are available now, and there is still time to apply for fiscal year 2024, so contact your local rep ASAP!
How Much Could You Get?
The NRCS could contribute between four to five dollars per square foot in reimbursements towards a Kwik Hoops low tunnel system that is 1000 square feet or less. For 1000-5000 square feet, the reimbursement rate drops to one to two dollars per square foot.
To find out your state’s reimbursement rate, visit their website HERE, scroll down to your state, and then click the EQIP link (Environmental Quality Incentives Program).
Next, scroll down to the very bottom of the document to find the Low Tunnels System (code 821). This section will tell you how much money the NRCS will contribute per square foot to your Kwik Hoops system purchase.
Note: “HU” stands for Historically Underserved. HU participants receive a higher reimbursement rate. If you think you might qualify, mention it to your local rep.
Note: The NRCS reimbursement amounts and requirements vary slightly from state to state, so it’s essential to contact your local NRCS rep for the most accurate information. To do this, CLICK HERE, select your state, and then select your county.
How Does It Work?
Example 1: Small Order for <1000 Square Feet (non-HU participants) in Washington State
For the fiscal year 2023 in Washington State, the NRCS will contribute $5.12/square foot towards your low tunnel system for set-ups covering bed space less than 1000 square feet ($6.14/ square foot for HU participants).
Four beds (30” x 100’) = 1000 square feet
At $5.12/square foot, the NRCS would reimburse you $5,120 towards low tunnel supplies for this 1000 square feet of growing space.
Let’s say you purchased:
- Kwik Hoops for four 100’ beds ($600)
- Four rolls of Clear Poly ($360)
- Four rolls of FrostFighter row cover ($150)
- Four rolls of Insectanet insect netting ($380)
Your total order comes to $1490.
Your cost after the NRCS reimbursement: $0 (a savings of $1490, plus extra funds to support your farm!)
Example 2: Large Order for 1000-5000 Square Feet (non-HU participants) in Washington State
For the fiscal year 2023 in Washington State, the NRCS will contribute $1.33/square foot towards your low tunnel system for set-ups covering bed space between 1000 and 5000 square feet ($1.60/ square foot for HU participants).
20 beds (30” x 100’) = 5000 square feet
At $1.33/square foot, the NRCS would reimburse you $6,650 towards low tunnel supplies for this 5000 square feet of growing space.
Let’s say you purchased:
- Kwik Hoops for 20 beds ($3000)
- 20 rolls of Clear Poly ($1800)
- 20 rolls of FrostFighter row cover ($600)
- 20 rolls of Insectanet insect netting ($1900)
Your total order comes to $7,300
Your cost after the NRCS reimbursement: $650 (a savings of $6650)
Which states offer the Low Tunnel program?
The Low Tunnel program is available in most states, and funding is available right now to pay for your Kwik Hoops low tunnels.
The following states have NOT yet added the Low Tunnels program:
- California
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
If your state is on this list, then the low tunnel program may be adopted this coming year, so contact your local NRCS rep regardless.
How to Apply
The best advice we have to offer is to start by contacting your local rep and let them navigate the technicalities for you.
Find your local NRCS service center.
We’ve heard from multiple customers that applying for the Low Tunnel program was very easy, and their local rep walked them through the process – Get Started with NRCS.
If you or your representative have questions, please contact us at hello@paperpot.co or 877.850.1555.
Support Documentation
CLICK HERE to download the tech sheet showing all the specs on our Kwik Hoops and various coverings. These should be submitted to your rep when you apply.
If your NRCS rep is looking for examples, you can download example paperwork HERE.