US (NC): Season extension with high and low tunnels

As the consumer interest in the local food movement rapidly expands, medium and large scale buyers are seeking to increase sales of local products. One strategy growers can explore to meet this need is season extension through the use of high and low tunnels.

High tunnels are low-tech, low-cost tools that allow growers to extend the growing season of vegetables and small fruit crops, potentially increasing market opportunities and farm profits. Session topics include microclimate characteristics, ideal planting dates for cool and warm season vegetable crops, labor and material costs, and best management practices for pests and fertility. Presenters will also discuss various high tunnel equipment vendors, noting the features important to include for extended season growing in the Sandhills region.

The presentation will include regional marketing strategies and federal funding opportunities for high tunnel construction. The day will conclude a high tunnel farm tour.

Geared toward producers selling into wholesale markets, as well as Extension Agents who are assisting growers with wholesale market expansion, this full-day, hands-on workshop will offer a variety of tools to assist growers in maximizing the efficient use of high tunnels.

Speakers: Dr. Sanjun Gu – horticulture extension specialist, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Paige Burns – agriculture/ horticulture extension agent, Richmond County Cooperative Extension, Taylor Williams – agriculture extension agent, Moore County Cooperative Extension, Josh Mays – regional agronomist, NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Patricia Tripp – produce supply chain development lead, NC Growing Together.

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