In our ever increasing efforts to increase agricultural income and find alternative crops, commercial vegetable production always offers many opportunities. Agent has gotten many calls from individuals requesting information on greenhouse vegetable production. The construction costs of greenhouses and production expenses often make it cost prohibitive for individuals to pursue the endeavor. However, one large greenhouse operation, Garden Gate Greenhouse, applied for and received funds for a greenhouse through the Governor's Office of Agriculture Policy(GOAP) and the County Agriculture Improvement Program(CAIP). This operation has expanded with 2 more greenhouses grown into a full time operation. But this is an exception to the rule. Everyone isn't looking at this for a full time job. Something with lower construction costs, lower maintenance and operation costs, and only part time is what most individuals are looking for. 

   Hi-Tunnels fill the bill. The NRCS offers cost share on Hi-Tunnel construction through their Environmental Quality Incentive Program(EQUIP) as does the CAIP Program. Agent promoted Hi-Tunnels and Low Tunnels via of newsletter and personal contact and encouraged the pursuit of the cost share opportunities. 

   As a result, 4 Hi-Tunnels have been built through the EQUIP and CAIP Programs. 3 of these were constructed with the help of the Grow Appalachia Program. After receiving yet again many calls on production in these, agent joined forces with the Rowan County agent and organized a tour of Hi-Tunnels at UK's South Farm in Lexington. Two producers with Hi-Tunnels in Carter County attended the tour. The group met with 3 UK specialists where they learned about construction, production, disease and insect control. Both participants came away very much excited and motivated about the potentials of their own Hi-Tunnels. As a result, one of the two Carter Countians agreed to host the 2018 Annual Carter County Farm and Family Field Day. The event was a huge success with 140 people attending. Dr. Rachel Rudolph, UK Extension Specialist, whom we had met at the UK Field Trip, delivered an excellent program on vegetable production in High-Tunnels, as well as speakers from NRCS, Grow Appalachia, and Forgotten Foods Farm. 

   Not only have these Hi-Tunnels increased sustainability of the family farm by providing fresh herbs and vegetables for the table, but also increased income by  $12,000.00 through the ability to sell produce earlier and later in the year. These Hi-Tunnels  will also serve as motivation for others to try this venture.