Ask small-scale, sustainable-minded farmers where they go for tips,
and invariably they'll mention ATTRA, an information clearinghouse
funded by the USDA.
Just this morning, I went to attra.org to get information on how to
make organic potting-soil mix for starting seeds. Like many farmers,
I've printed out copies of ATTRA's indispensable guides to cover
crops and soil management and keep them in a prominent place in the
farm office.
As a new farmer, I can't imagine a world without ATTRA, which stands
for Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas. That's why my
blood began to boil this morning when I found out that the Senate had
voted to defund ATTRA's ultra-modest $2.5 million annual budget.
[permaculture] Senate votes to defund ATTRA,
mIEKAL aND, 02/22/2007