For Immediate Release:  Please promulgate to appropriate forums and publications

Mobile High-Tunnel Study Needs Organic Growers

Resilient Northern Habitats, a permaculture-based, for benefit organization, seeks to regenerate local economies through organic food production, revitalized habitat, and collaborative community investment.

As part of its mission, RNH is initiating research into mobile high-tunnel food production in growing zones 3-4.  The project involves the purchase and placement of three 30’ x 48’ mobile high tunnels at existing organic farms to determine their effect on food production, season extension and producer income.

Three experienced organic growers will be selected through a scored application process.  The selected growers will be required to prepare adequate field space at their site for erection of the 30’ x 48’ high-tunnels.  (Note:  with seasonal positions, land requirement is @ 36’ x 165’.)

In August 2011, RNH will sponsor a “tunnel raising” at their farm in western Wisconsin.   Each grower will learn to erect their high-tunnel, and with instruction from experienced high-tunnel grower Mike Bollinger of Decorah, advanced growing tips.

At that point, each grower will receive their 30’ x 48’ high tunnel kit (@ value $12,000), with explicit instructions on data gathering and reporting requirements.  It is expected that each grower utilize the new technology to establish fall/winter crops in 2011 that benefit local consumers and markets.

The research project is envisioned as a three-year study.  The data gathered — planting/ harvesting dates, inputs, production yields and additional farm revenues — will be compiled and published as an article in a prominent national publication.

Upon study’s completion, each participating grower receives title to their high tunnel with the expectation that they integrate it into their farming practice and become a resource for others seeking to do the same.

Responsibilities of the grower:  scrupulous record keeping, observation of reporting deadlines, responsible stewardship of the high tunnel, full commitment to organic nutrient-dense food production on a year around basis.

Responsibilities of Resilient Northern Habitats:  delivery of three 30’ x 48’ mobile high tunnel produced by Four Season Tools of Kansas City, quality instruction in its erection and growing techniques, clear communication of data reporting requirements, eventual publication of study results in appropriate forum.

Applications available at:  www.resilientnorthernhabitats.com

Application Due Date:  June 1st, 2011