High Tunnels for Supporting Farm Viability and Local Food Systems

High tunnels are a low-cost technology that can strengthen the viability of small and mid-sized farms by extending the growing season and facilitating the production of high-quality fruits and vegetables for local and regional food systems. As a postdoc at Indiana University, Dr. Bruce led a case study for a mixed methods research project focused on farmers’ experiences with using high tunnels to grow specialty crops in Indiana. The case study included social and ecological data collection to understand the impacts of high tunnel production on soil and plant health, and farmers’ perspectives on the farm-level impacts of high tunnels. Read more in four publications: Using high tunnels to extend the growing season and improve crop quality and yield: assessing outcomes for organic and conventional growers in the U.S. Midwest, Farmer Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities with Using High Tunnels for Specialty Crops, Assessing the Impact of the EQIP High Tunnel Initiative, and Farm type and high tunnel management: Connections between farm characteristics and high tunnel outcomes in Indiana.