Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA)

Providing free technical information to producers and information providers on a wide variety of sustainable farming topics

ATTRA is the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service that provides information to those engaged in or serving commercial agriculture, such as farmers, ranchers, extension agents, farm organizations, and farm-based businesses. Clients can call in requests on a toll-free telephone line, use the website that features regular updates, and learn about workshops featuring technical presentations by staff.

ATTRA offers a wide variety of information on sustainable agriculture, from horticultural and agronomic crops to livestock and farming systems. ATTRA’s services seek to help U.S. farmers increase profitability and provide more healthful food for consumers while becoming better stewards of the natural resources and environment of America’s farmlands.

Since its inception in 1987, ATTRA’s staff of friendly, resourceful specialists has responded to more than 200,000 requests from callers on how to:

• Improve farm income with a diversity of crops and livestock
• Reduce dependence on costly off-farm inputs
• Assess new marketing methods
• Produce alternative crops and livestock
• Institute organic farming practices
• Incorporate value-added and farm-processed products
• Improve soil fertility and water quality
• Rejuvenate rural America through agricultural enterprises

Information Available
ATTRA specializes in responding to questions about specific sustainable enterprises or practices. Staff will research the question, summarize findings in writing, and compile supporting literature as appropriate to accompany the report, which a caller receives by mail. Publications based on frequently requested topics are also available.

Financial Information
Funding for fiscal year 2004 is $2.5 million through USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service to support the informational and educational work of 48 assigned staff. The program is operated by the nonprofit National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).

Eligibility, Uses, and Restrictions
ATTRA provides information to anyone involved in U.S. commercial agriculture. This includes farmers, ranchers, extension agents, farm organizations, farm-based businesses, information providers, and others who serve farmers.

Contact
People involved in commercial agriculture in the United States may request information by calling (800) 346-9140 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday, or by visiting the ATTRA website.

Internet
www.attra.ncat.org