High Tunnel Production Technologies: Environmentally Friendly and Profitable Alternative Production Methods for Small Farmers

The purpose of this award is for Virginia State University (VSU) to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of using an environmentally controlled high tunnel production system, to include solar and wind energy technology as well as utilization of a large cistern for irrigation needs associated with the project. The specific objectives of this project are: (1) Demonstrate the effectiveness of alternative energy sources for high tunnel production to small, underserved, beginning and veteran farmers, (2) Demonstrate increased yield and profit potential by converting to an environmentally controlled high tunnel system to small, underserved, beginning and veteran farmers, (3) Provide education and training on these alternative management techniques to small, underserved, beginning and veteran farmers.