Organic Farming and High Tunnels

High tunnels seem like the perfect tool for organic growing. Also known as hoop houses, these are greenhouse-like structures. They are less costly than a typical greenhouse. While green houses grow products "above the ground" in raised beds or in pots, high tunnel is normally "in the ground" growing.

High tunnel growing has been used in Europe for quite some time. The US lags far behind, but the local popularity is increasing. Small fruits, most vegetables, and flowers can be grown in high tunnels. The advantages that the high tunnel offers seem right in line with the needs of the organic farmer:

Organic Fruit

Extended growing season: depending on the geographic region, crops can be planted 4-8 weeks earlier than field crops and can stay in the ground 2-3 weeks later. In many areas, this equates to an additional harvest. Better yield: hopp houses offer a more controlled environment, offering protection from adverse weather and pests. As a result, high-tunnel-grown products tend to sustain less damage. Higher quality: studies have shown that products grown in these structures have better taste and appearance than non-high-tunnel-grown products. Hoop house farming significantly increases your crop output. For the organic farmer, it offers more protection from pests and can potentially lessen or even eliminate the need for any pesticide. This has been one of the weak points of organic farming because the natural pest control systems have not been as effective as chemical pesticides.

The organic grower, who is already catering to a clientele that enjoys buying fresh produce at the local markets, can now come to market a few weeks earlier in the season and perhaps capture an even bigger following from these consumers. There is strong evidence that the organic farmer will yield significantly more produce per acre and enjoy a much higher profit over the season by using hoop houses.

There is, of course, an investment to be made for the purchase and installation of the high tunnel structures. Costs range from ,000 to $ 8,000 for a 24 ft x 96 ft structure. There have been many estimates on what the return on investment (ROI) would be for hoop houses. That number appears to vary depending on area of country and type of crop. For example, the University of Minnesota published a raspberry research study in 2009. The ROI calculated was under three years. The study showed phenomenal differences in plumpness, color and apparent taste when compared to open field grown raspberries. Yield per plant was 60% to 110 % greater in high tunnels. In a webinar presentation sponsored by JR Johnson, Karl Foord, PHD, a professor at University of Minnesota Extension Div, presented data that supported scenarios for high tunnel tomato growing where the ROI was less than one year. The biggest variable, of course, was the price charged at the market.

Since the organic farmer is already receiving a premium price for produce, the returns should be very good and perhaps even better than the non-certified organic grower. Another effect of high tunnel growing is that farmers in the northern climates can start producing crops that normally could not be reliably grown in that shorter season. One would expect that the local population would pay premium prices for fresh produce that was not previously available.

The debate over the pros and cons of organic farming continue. The organic enthusiast claims that organically grown food is healthier for you, tastes better, and is better for the environment. The other side claims that there is no real evidence that organically grown food is better for you or the environment and that any objective taste test was inconclusive. Furthermore, it has been claimed that organic farming is less productive than traditional farming and there is not enough farmable land in the world to feed everyone if organic farming was the only method.

Many studies have suggested that the productivity gap between organic and non-organic farming can be closed with better techniques and technology. this is a low-technology solution that certainly can help close the gap in the fresh fruit and vegetable market.

Organic Farming and High Tunnels

Todd Salsman is JR Johnson's Greenhouse Specialist. Todd has over 35 years of greenhouse growing experience and has assisted in the design and ordering of over 50 high tunnel structures during the past twelve months. JR Johnson specializes in horticulture supplies and greenhouse equipment. One of its many featured products is nursery containers.

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