NATIONAL CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY

Working for a sustainable future since 1976

TRUSTED

Since 1976 NCAT has provided relevant information, individualized technical assistance and in-depth resources to support sustainable agriculture and accessible energy solutions.

PRACTICAL

NCAT’s trusted knowledgebase provides scalable solutions to strengthen self-reliance, reduce poverty, and protect natural resources. NCAT is all solutions, not sensation.

CONNECTOR

NCAT facilitates meaningful connections among sustainable agriculture producers, renewable energy experts, innovators, researchers, and industry professionals. Our role as a connector results in valuable networks and lasting change.

Montana Military Veteran Champions the Power of ‘Armed to Farm’ Alumni Network

“Learning to farm is more than a notion,” Armed to Farm alum and Montana farmer-veteran Lawrence Rhone recently told KRQE-TV. “It’s another language.”  Rhone is among nearly 1,000 military veterans who’ve completed the hands-on,…
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Armed to Farm blew me away. Two years into my own agricultural business and I still reflect on the immersive experience as a highlight. The combination of in-field and in-class activities kept me engaged and paved the way. I would highly recommend the program to any veteran who is looking to turn their passion into a successful business.

“NCAT’s ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program influenced a whole livestock industry in the U.S. to rethink how they were managing their livestock in a way that regenerates the soil.” 

“When it comes to energy professionals, NCAT is on speed dial. NCAT helped us every
step of the way in creating an energy efficiency grant program in Montana.”

“NCAT’s Soil for Water program offers a chance to learn new things and to apply it to your land and to improve.” 

“The Armed to Farm program is THE reason I was able to get started in farming. The opportunity to connect with other veterans and support each other’s dreams was life changing. The education and support from NCAT/ATTRA guided me through starting a profitable farm that fuels my new–found passion for farming.” 

“The thing that really makes Armed to Farm better than the rest is that it’s the complete package. They do a really good job of presenting a lot of information and resources in a short amount of time while also creating interface time with local veteran farmers. Being able to go for free and learn as a veteran getting into agriculture – that’s just absolutely invaluable.” 

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NCAT Announces its New Executive Director

The National Center for Appropriate Technology’s (NCAT) Board of Directors today announced it has selected Fred Bahnson to lead the organization. Bahnson joins NCAT after a competitive national search. “Fred brings to NCAT two decades…

CBS ‘Saturday Morning’ Features AgriSolar

CBS Saturday Morning featured NCAT's AgriSolar Clearinghouse and one of the farmers who is partnering with an energy company to graze his sheep among their solar panels during a six-minute piece that aired nationwide. Pairing farming with…
A box of local foods

Harvesting Helena Workshop to Showcase ‘Montana Harvest of the Month,’ Community Food Programs

An August workshop in Helena will offer a day of training and tours for anyone interested in getting more Montana grown and raised food into their community. The event, Farm to School Workshop: Harvesting Helena, will provide general training…

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