Lessons Learned Field Testing Low-cost High Tunnels in West Virginia

High tunnels protect, accelerate and expand the season for specialty crops and permit growers to continue field activities during inclement weather.  Limited adoption of this technology in WV by growers was due to lack of exposure to the concept and uses of a high tunnel, as well as cost and transportation of materials to rural areas.  A local grower inspired to build his own high tunnel proposed to develop an alternative solution to “off-the-shelf” kits that could be constructed with mostly locally available materials for other growers to see if a high tunnel fit into their operation.  Our project included requesting applications, conducting site visits with growers at the sites, constructing high tunnels to field-test the concept and developing a construction manual to produce a 20’ x 48’ tunnel for under $1,000.  Applications were reviewed and sites visited before the first tunnel was built in 2010.  Finding suitable sites was a challenge in a mountainous state.  Some growers were more motivated than others to help with construction and/or put the structure to use.  Growers differed in what seasons they use the structure based on their markets.  Others that helped with construction or have seen the structures have been inspired build their own.  We also developed a demonstration version to use in workshops which could be converted to a small greenhouse.  Additional education on high tunnels is necessary but our project has raised grower’s exposure to high tunnels allowing them to expand locally produced food in their markets.