Grower's guide

High tunnels in Connecticut — and the funding that helps.

A practical starting point for Connecticut growers: how EQIP cost-share generally works, what to confirm with your local NRCS office, and what grows well under cover.

A note on what this is: we build the structures — your local NRCS office runs the program. Treat this page as a map, not the rulebook; rates, deadlines, and requirements are theirs to set.

High tunnel in early spring — Connecticut

How it generally works

Three steps most growers take.

EQIP's High Tunnel System initiative helps cover the cost of a new tunnel. The shape of the process is similar everywhere, even though the details are state-by-state.

Talk to your local office

Find your NRCS service center and ask about the High Tunnel System practice (code 325). They'll confirm eligibility, rates, and this year's deadlines.

Apply with a structure spec

Applications usually need engineering details for the tunnel you plan to build. We provide the certified engineering prints your application needs — and we'll get them to you early.

Build once approved

If your contract is funded, you purchase and raise the tunnel, then get reimbursed per your contract terms. We'll size the kit and stay on the phone through the build.

Visit NRCS.usda.gov The official source for program rules, rates, and deadlines.

Before you apply

What to confirm with Connecticut NRCS.

This year's sign-up deadline — application windows vary by state and fiscal year.
Eligible tunnel sizes & specs — square-footage caps and structure requirements differ.
Your cost-share rate — payment rates change yearly and can differ for beginning or historically underserved farmers.
Land & production requirements — most contracts require the site to be in agricultural production.
What documentation they want — farm records, a conservation plan, and structure prints are common asks.

Find your service center

NRCS staffs local service centers across Connecticut. Your district conservationist is the person who can answer program questions for your county.

Service Center LocatorSearch by county at the USDA locator — it lists the office, address, and phone for your area.

Ask forThe district conservationist, and mention the High Tunnel System initiative (practice 325).

Open the USDA locator

Under cover, year round

Connecticut growing, season by season.

What a high tunnel changes for a southern New England grower.

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Ready to match a structure to Connecticut weather?

Our kits are designed to meet NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 325, and we provide the certified prints your application needs. Tell us your county and we'll size for your snow and wind.

See the structures Request a quote

CT Greenhouse is not affiliated with USDA or NRCS. Everything above is general guidance from a manufacturer who works with these programs often — program rules, cost-share rates, eligibility, and deadlines are set by NRCS, vary by state and year, and should always be confirmed with your local office.