That sounds like wishful thinking to me, but could be a garbled version of some type of federal assistance program that got scrambled 10 times before the story got to you. For example, you may find that the Small Business Administration would facilitate a loan to a startup nursery with an adequate business plan. I also doubt in these terrible economy times that any state or local government would have such a giveaway program. If you find out differently, please re-post and I'll eat my hat. I expect, however, that you shouldn't expect to drive your pickup truck to the Free Greenhouse Warehouse any time soon.

"In a pilot study, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide financial assistance for growers in 38 states to receive approximately half the cost of one high tunnel per farm to successful applicants. The project is funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the EQIP Organic Initiative, and the Agricultural Management Assistance program. Deadlines vary by state and may be as early as January 15, 2010."

I signed up for the program, It was to get a free hoophouse. An agent came to my farm when I wasn't home to determine if I have highly erodible land. He determined that I do and sent me a registered letter to tell me I couldn't do anything on my land without first consulting him. I quit pursuing the free hoophouse.

Our government just can't find enough things to throw money at.

Send your goofiest ideas for wasteful, idiotic government spending to: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C., Attn. :Occupant.

Well you miss an opportunity to educate re: hh and soil. I can't see how "erodable" soil type disqualifies you, given soil is generally erodable. Did you try to pin them down or are you giving up on the idea?

If you want to talk about tossing money away let's bring the troops home. Serious money ther and its pretty much all off the books.

>Our government just can't find enough things to throw
>money at.

This is the High Tunnel program via NRCS. There is a YouTube video of white house admin on the white house yard 'pretending' to help put up a low tunnel. That I think, was goofy. And they called it a low tunnel I think.. but the program is for high tunnels.

From what I hear, its not like the GOV wants to give every Joe and Jane a free greenhouse. Rather, they want to see if high tunnels can increase and extend crop production. Most likely they will approve people with experience or who already grow.

As for the quote above... If we can grow more locally, is that a bad thing? Less chemical and diseases from all the food we have to ship in from south of the border, etc. And if we can help local farmers do better business, it is a good thing I think.

Miwa

Here is a link that might be useful: USDA to Launch High Tunnel Pilot Study

If you want to talk about tossing money away let's bring the troops home. Serious money ther and its pretty much all off the books.

Seriously out of place comment.. wanna talk politics? Go find another place to do it.

You would be surprised at the number of professional growers who when they downsize or retire will give their structures to people simply for the take-down.

To ontheteam -
Interesting (mildly) that you decry the statement of fact as an unacceptable political post but the opinion posted earlier, that you're just fine with.

The act of gardening is a political statement. Sorry to ruffle your feathers.

Guess you get the last word if you care that much about it.

Ta.