The Role of Field-Scale High Tunnels in Modern Agriculture: A Deep Dive into TunnelPro Plus

The agricultural sector continues to encounter various challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, evolving pest pressures, and an increasing focus on sustainable practices. For soft fruit growers and open-field producers, the use of low-tech innovations such as field-scale high tunnels is gaining attention as a practical strategy. Among the available solutions, the TunnelPro Plus™️ by Harnois Greenhouses is one example being utilized in the field. This article discusses the role of such structures in supporting modern agricultural operations and examines potential applications for a broader range of crops.

In this edition of the Horti-Gen Insights Newsletter, agronomist Corenthin Chassouant shares observations from field visits with Harnois Greenhouses across North America:

What Are We Covering Today?

1. Why Field-Scale High Tunnels Are Necessary

2. Case Study: TunnelPro Plus™️ by Harnois

3. Why Soft Fruit Growers Should Invest in High Tunne …

4. Broader Applications for Open-Field Producers

5. The Economic Case for Low-Tech Innovation

6. Addressing Climate Change Through Innovation

7. Conclusion

Why Field-Scale High Tunnels Are Necessary

Field-scale high tunnels offer several practical benefits for modern farming:

• Climate Resilience: Unpredictable weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, hail, or extreme heat can negatively impact crops. High tunnels provide a protective environment that helps shield plants from these elements, supporting more stable yields. The TunnelPro Plus includes features such as passive ventilation and polyethylene covers for winter protection, which help stabilize temperature and humidity levels.

• Extended Growing Seasons and Predictability: High tunnels allow for earlier planting in the spring and extended harvests into late fall. This longer production window supports farmers in meeting off-season market demand.

• Cost-Effective Crop Protection: Compared to high-tech greenhouses, field-scale high tunnels are a more affordable option. They offer protection from pests and diseases while maintaining lower energy and maintenance requirements.

• Adaptability to Open-Field Farming: High tunnels such as the TunnelPro Plus are designed to be compatible with existing farming systems and are relatively straightforward to install, making them accessible to a wide range of growers.

• Affordability Amid Economic Uncertainty: Given ongoing economic challenges, including fluctuating tariffs and supply chain issues, field-scale high tunnels offer a budget-conscious solution for growers looking to protect their crops. Their lower cost relative to fully automated greenhouses makes them a feasible option even for small-scale operations.

Case Study: TunnelPro Plus™️ by Harnois

The TunnelPro Plus™️ highlights several functional attributes commonly associated with field-scale high tunnels:

• Robust Construction: Constructed with galvanized steel in an oval design, the structure aims to minimize stress on polyethylene films. It is produced in North America and utilizes polyethylene materials intended for agricultural use.

• Climate Management: The design incorporates high top clearance and ventilation features that support air circulation and aim to create stable growing conditions.

• Farm Equipment Compatibility: TunnelPro Plus is built to accommodate standard farm machinery, potentially assisting with operations such as pruning, harvesting, and pest control.

• Yield Support: By maintaining consistent growing conditions and supporting higher plant density, this structure may contribute to yield improvements.

• Environmental Considerations: The use of screw pile foundations avoids concrete use, and integrated rainwater gutters are designed to facilitate water collection and conservation.

Why Soft Fruit Growers Should Invest in High Tunnels

Soft fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are particularly sensitive to environmental fluctuations. Here’s why high tunnels are indispensable for these crops:

• Protection from Pests and Diseases: High tunnels create a physical barrier against pests while reducing humidity levels that often lead to fungal diseases like botrytis. This minimizes reliance on chemical treatments, aligning with sustainable farming practices. Use of new tech poly film covers help to prevent fungus and mold development and have positive impact on pollination rate and beneficial insects activity.

• Improved Fruit Quality: Controlled conditions inside high tunnels enhance fruit size, color (ex: anthocyanins % …), and flavor by reducing exposure to stress factors such as wind damage or inconsistent moisture levels.

• Market Advantages: Producing fruits earlier or later in the season allows growers to capitalize on premium market prices when supply is limited. This is especially relevant for export-oriented producers aiming for year-round availability.

Broader Applications for Open-Field Producers

While soft fruit growers are primary beneficiaries of high tunnels, these structures hold immense potential for other open-field crops:

• Vegetables: Crops like tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens thrive under the controlled environment of high tunnels. The extended growing season ensures higher profitability per square meter.

• Floriculture: Flower farmers can use high tunnels to protect delicate blooms from wind or frost damage while extending their growing seasons.

• More conventionnal open-field crops: In regions prone to drought or excessive rainfall, high tunnels can be adapted for small-scale grain production by stabilizing soil moisture levels.

• Fruit Tree Cultivation in High Tunnels: High tunnels offer a promising environment for cultivating shorter fruit trees like cherry and citrus varieties. These trees benefit from protection against weather extremes and improved fruit quality. By using dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties, growers can optimize space while enhancing yields and market value.

The Economic Case for Low-Tech Innovation

High tunnels like the TunnelPro Plus represent a middle ground between traditional open-field farming and expensive high-tech greenhouses:

• Lower Acquisition Costs: Compared to fully automated greenhouses, high tunnels require a fraction of the initial investment.

• Reduced Operational Expenses: Passive ventilation systems eliminate the need for energy-intensive climate control technologies.

• Quick ROI: Increased yields and extended seasons ensure that growers recover their investment within a few growing cycles.

Addressing Climate Change Through Innovation

The agricultural sector must adapt quickly to mitigate the effects of climate change on food production:

• Resilience Against Extreme Weather: High tunnels shield crops from unpredictable weather patterns that are becoming more frequent due to global warming.

• Sustainable Practices: By reducing water usage through rainwater collection systems and minimizing chemical inputs via pest barriers, high tunnels contribute to environmentally friendly farming.

• Food Security: Extending growing seasons helps stabilize food supply chains by reducing dependency on imports during off-seasons.

Conclusion

The field-scale high tunnel system is more than just a low-tech structure; it’s a strategic tool that empowers growers to navigate modern agricultural challenges effectively. By combining durability with adaptability, the TunnelPro Plus by Harnois offers a cost-effective solution for boosting productivity while safeguarding crops against climate-related risks.

For soft fruit growers and open-field producers alike, investing in low-tech innovations like the TunnelPro Plus is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity in achieving sustainable growth in agriculture.

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