Cleveland Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative

Cleveland Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative

Ka-La Healing Garden Center, owned and operated by Tanya Holmes. Mrs. Holmes received funding in 2014 for a high tunnel (photo). Mrs. Holmes not only grows fresh vegetables, but also hosts a number of educational workshops for both children and adults on healthy eating and growing food in their own gardens. People have noticed a decrease in crime around the garden neighborhood, attributed in part to the pride and sense of ownership people feel as a result of the garden center.

1Cleveland Urban Agriculture A TimelineThe zoning code specifies that single family residential districts may be used for agricultural production.

The zoning code allows farm stand sales, signage, limited animal agriculture (chickens, bees), and agricultural structures. Building permits are still required for structures, including high tunnels.

The City also made provisions for urban gardens to have access to city water at a reduced rate.

2Food Deserts - A Life or Death MatterLife expectancy in Cleveland*:Low income area = 64 yrs. Affluent suburb = 88.5 yrs. Access to safe, healthy food matters!! 25% of Cleveland residents live in food deserts; low-income neighborhoods far away (a mile or more) from grocery stores.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health health impact assessment study - http://seedstock.com/2014/02/17/city-of-cleveland-embraces-urban-agriculture-through-zoning-grants-and-partnerships/

3Cleveland High Tunnel Initiative - OriginGrew from discussions between NRCS and community leaders.In 2012, Ohio allocated EQIP funds to pilot the CHT (photo of 2012 pilot ceremony)Hired a full-time urban conservationist Amended an agreement with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives to assist with outreach

EQIP on Urban Land?Zoning does not affect EQIP rules.Zoning may restrict practice installation.Violate laws = No practice payment

They reducing city water rates for urban agriculture ($72 for the growing season).

5Applicant RequirementsFarm number (FSA);Interest in the agricultural operation;Control of the land (lease);EQIP plan of operations;Address a resource concern.

NRCS had to work out a process with FSA to help people get farm numbers because FSA doesnt have an office in Cuyahoga County. Most of the paperwork is done via mail and e-mail.

Participants had to show control of the land for 3 years which usually meant getting a lease from the City for this time-frame at a minimum.

NRCS conducted a site visit to verify a one-year cropping history.

All applicants met the criteria as beginning farmers and received the 90% payment rate.

6Project Components

Eligibility determinationPlanning/Contracting (soil testing recommended)PermittingHigh Tunnel installationEducation & Training 1. NRCS programs 2. High Tunnel construction and maintenance3. Food production, food preservation, and marketing (optional)

CHT PartnersFSA farm record and eligibilityCuyahoga SWCD - promotionOSU Extension - education Federation Of Southern Cooperatives - outreach, assists with obtaining leasesCity of Cleveland - leases, building permits, discount waterFair Food Network helped install high tunnelsCongresswoman Marcia Fudge promotion and support

Accomplishments

Since 2012, over 100 seasonal high tunnels have been constructed or are in the planning stages.Supporting high tunnel activities include micro-irrigation practices, roof runoff, heavy use/splash pad, cover crops, and critical area plantings Total obligation for Cleveland High Tunnels and supporting practices = $778,600

High Tunnel Build Training NRCS Staff, Partners, and CHT ParticipantsTotal obligation for Cleveland High Tunnels and supporting practices = $778,600 (as of 3/3/16)

9Issues to Consider

Partnership Support/InvolvementClose Cooperation w/ParticipantsMunicipal Support Zoning, PermitsNeighborhood Support/InvolvementMarketing Allowed On-site?Continuous CommunicationAccess to Water On-site, Trucked?Environmental justice Soil contamination (lead, arsenic)Debris - RemovalAbandoned Buildings Demolish?Cleveland currently has 158,000 vacant, distressed, or abandoned properties like these.Vacant lot #s at http://www.citylab.com/housing/2015/06/cleveland-is-mapping-every-abandoned-house-in-the-city-the-old-fashioned-way/395774/

Lessons learned if anyone asks

The City favors entering into leases with some individuals over others. Should try and find a way to remove this bias, potentially through an agreement.

Need cooperation and support of city government (zoning, building, mayor)

Staff must have the ability and agency support to work a lot of off hours. Almost all of the people only have weekends or evenings to meet.

Must have a good relationship with the FSA staff involved locally and support from FSA management.

Need to gain the trust of people with an extreme distrust of the government

Need to be comfortable working with diverse groups racially, educationally, religious affiliation (Christian and Muslim)

It helps a lot when there is an established urban farming community and strong community support (community leaders)

10ExpansionUrban ag movement is strong and growingCities want NRCS assistance with urban agIn discussions with Columbus and CincinnatiHigh return on little investment small fraction of State EQIP allocationStrong USDA support in line with several Departmental and White House initiativesPeoples GardenKnow Your Farmer Know Your FoodFirst Ladys Lets MoveBeginning Farmers

Secretary Vilsack visiting Cleveland urban gardens with Ohio Congresswoman Kaptur August, 2015Questions?

Chief Weller and Terry Cosby talking with Ohios first high tunnel contract holder, Avon Standard (r) and fellow gardeners at his Cleveland garden July, 2014