USDA-Supported Partners in Sustainable Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture supports three major programs that offer sustainable agriculture information and assistance. Whether you are a farmer, an educator or a researcher seeking more information about sustainable agriculture in general, about a specific crop, or help with a specific problem, these programs can help. Contact information and a description of each program are provided below for AFSIC, SARE and ATTRA.
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC)
www.nal.usda.gov/afsic
(301) 504-6559 ~ afsic@nal.usda.gov
AFSIC collects, organizes and distributes information on alternative agriculture, and provides high-level searching and reference services from the National Agricultural Library's vast collection and world-wide databases.
- Organic agriculture
- Community based agriculture
- Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
www.sare.org
(301) 405-2689 ~ coordinator@sare.org
SARE provides grant opportunities, maintains a diverse portfolio of research projects, and synthesizes research results and on-farm experiences to develop books, introductory bulletins and educator guides.
- Educator guides
- On-farm research
- Farm and ranch success stories
- Soil and pest management
- Alternative marketing strategies
- Alternative livestock production
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
http://attra.ncat.org
(800) 346-9140
ATTRA answers questions about specific farming practices and innovative marketing approaches, including organic production.
- 200+ free publications on farming and marketing
- Website with daily brief updates
- Specialized responses to sustainable agriculture questions
- Toll-free phone service in English (800) 346-9140 and Spanish (800) 411-3222
- Speakers for workshops and conferences
- Free bi-monthly newsletter and weekly e-newsletter
