National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA)

Program Description

ATTRA is the national sustainable farming information center located at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and in Butte, Montana. ATTRA provides information free-of-charge through telephone requests to people engaged in or serving commercial agriculture, such as farmers, Extension agents, university researchers, farm organizations, and agribusinesses. ATTRA can provide a wide range of information on sustainable or alternative agriculture, from horticultural and agronomic crops to livestock and farming systems. ATTRA's goal is to help U.S. farmers boost profits and provide healthier food for consumers, while becoming better stewards of the precious natural resources and environment of America's farmlands. Since its inception in 1987, ATTRA's staff of friendly, resourceful specialists has prepared reports for callers on how to:

Improve farm income with a diversity of crops/livestock
Reduce dependence on costly off-farm inputs
Assess new direct 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

Program Administration

ATTRA is operated by the nonprofit National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service and NCAT to support the informational and educational work of ATTRA's 25-member staff.

Program Status

This program is well established since its creation through the Food Security Act of 1985.

Using the Program

Technical assistance, publications, and resources are provided free of charge to appropriate users. You can call the toll free number (1-800-346-9140) with your question or go to their website (http://www.attra.org) to use written publications and resources.

Application Procedures

You do not have to apply for this program and can use it year round.

Criteria for Eligibility

ATTRA provides information to farmers, extension agents, university researchers, farm organizers, and agribusinesses as well as other information providers.

ATTRA cannot handle requests for conventional agricultural information or requests by home gardeners and other people not actually involved in or serving commercial agriculture.

Who to Contact

ATTRA prefers requests by telephone. Contact the national program office for assistance and to request information. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday, or by visiting the ATTRA website.

National Program Office
P.O. Box 3657
Fayetteville, AR 72702
1-800-346-9140
(501) 442-9824
(501) 442-9842 - fax
http://www.attra.org

Adapted with permission from "Building Better Rural Places"