Indigenous Food and
Agriculture Initiative
Putting Tribal Sovereignty in Food Sovereignty
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updates and Resources for Indian Country
Promoting Tribal Sovereignty Through Food and Agriculture
Our mission is to enhance the health and wellness of tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions.
We provide strategic legal analysis, policy research, and educational resources to empower Indian Country through food sovereignty, agriculture, and economic development.
Strategic Analysis for Tribal Governments and Producers
Cultural Traditions in Tribal Food Systems
Food and Agriculture Law and Policy Research
Tribal Business and Economics Development
2022 NFBC GAINING GROUND REPORT
The Native Farm Bill Coalition has released Gaining Ground: A Report on the 2018 Farm Bill Successes for Indian Country and Opportunities for 2023. The report argues for significant progress to be made in strengthening Tribal sovereignty, food security and rural infrastructure.
Indian Country is a leading force in American agriculture, with more than 80,000 individual Native producers contributing $3.5 billion to the U.S. economy. Additionally, many Native communities are partially reliant on the feeding programs that make up almost 80% of Farm Bill funding. Yet, the unique needs of Tribal Nations and Native producers have been historically overlooked. In the 2018 Farm Bill, Indian Country achieved many breakthrough policy goals, with a historical, unprecedented 63 separate Native-related provisions. These provisions range from strengthening Tribal self-governance and the management of nutrition programs to investing in economic development opportunities. Gaining Ground identifies potential opportunities to build on the progress made in 2018 to ensure Indian Country’s unique needs are met in each of the Farm Bill’s titles.
Agriculture in Indian Country
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) farms make up 3% of all farms in the United States. The market value of agricultural products sold by AI/AN producers reached $3.5 Billion in 2017.
Number of Farms with AI/AN Operators in 2012
Number of Farms with AI/AN Operators in 2017
Additional Educational Resoures
Child Nutrition Programs in Indian Country
Nearly 60 percent of counties where American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) make up the majority population have the highest food-insecurity rates in the nation.
Traditional Foods in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Current traditional foods offered to FDPIR participants are bison, salmon, catfish, wild rice, and blue cornmeal.
Economic Opportunities in 2018 Farm Bill
Learn about the 2018 Farm Bill opportunities for economic development in Indian Country that strengthen business and commerce for Tribes and Tribal producers.
Learn More About IFAI Resources
I am a tribal leader or tribal government representative
Learn more about the Native Farm Bill Coalition and the work for give Native Americans a strong, united voice to advance a common Farm Bill agenda benefiting Indian Country.
I am a producer or tribal food business
IFAI offers a series of “Scaling Up” trainings and webinars discussing agricultural production tools and economic forecast models to help build strong Tribal food businesses and food systems throughout Indian Country. Watch our past videos on agricultural business planning and feasibility analysis or sign up for one of our upcoming webinars.
I am a native youth leader
IFAI is dedicated to supporting the future generation of Indigenous food and agriculture leaders. Learn more about our Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit.
I am a tribal partner organization
The Initiative empowers tribally driven solutions for advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions. Learn more about our ongoing projects.
I am a tribal community member
Tribes are driving change and leading innovative work in food, agriculture, and health equity work. Read IFAI’s Intertribal Food Systems report, a national survey of food and agriculture work happening in Indian Country.
I am an Indian Country Ally
Thank you for being an ally for Indian Country. Invest in work that transforms tribal communities and support tribally driven work to advance traditional food systems and revitalize food sovereignty efforts.
