An initiative to address this problem, the Genesee Urban Agriculture Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative, will offer cost share dollars for seasonal high tunnel (hoop house) construction in Flint and the surrounding areas. The United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service is partnering with the Genesee Conservation District, a local entity of state government working with Genesee County residents to conserve natural resources in our community, for implementation locally.
Their vision for this initiative is to reverse the growth of food deserts by increasing fresh produce availability while supporting economic development and promoting healthier lifestyles. The community will benefit from:
- Shared resources
- Local sourcing
- An extended growing season
- Enhanced local food production
- Lowered transportation burdens
- Improved soil and air quality
- New business opportunities, particularly for increasing production and for limited-resource growers
- Healthier, less-expensive, more accessible fresh food
Contact Genesee Conservation District at (810) 230-8766 ext. 3 or geneseecd.org to learn more about this opportunity, to apply for or inquire about cost-share funding, or if you have a seasonal high tunnel and would like technical assistance to enhance production.
