USDA-Supported Programs
for 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
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)
504-5230 ~ coordinator@sare.org
Provides grant opportunities; maintains diverse portfolio of research
projects; synthesizes research results & on-farm experiences to develop
books, introductory bulletins and educator guides.
• Educator guides
• On-farm research
• Farm success stories
• Soil & pest management
• Alternative marketing strategies
• Alternative livestock production
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural
Areas (ATTRA) http://attra.ncat.org
~ (800) 346-9140
National sustainable agriculture information service 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
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