Our mission is to enhance the health and wellness of Tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions.
WHAT’S NEW
Fall Legislative Outlook: Indian Country Food and Ag Priorities
FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – As Congress returns from the August recess this month, it faces a tight legislative schedule to finish must-pass legislation before the end of the year. Here’s a rundown of major pending legislation related to Indian Country food and...
Policy Brief- September 15
Summary: Senate Agriculture Committee to vote again on the Farm Bill- Senate Ag Chair John Boozman (R-AR) announced the committee will reconvene this week to vote again after a 11-11 deadlocked vote failed to push the legislation out of Committee in August due to...
IFAI Analyzes Roadless Rule Rescission
FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – Today, the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) published an analysis of the Tribal impacts of USDA’s proposed rule rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, a regulation that prohibited most road construction and timber harvesting in almost...
Policy Brief- September 8
Summary: Government Funding – Last week, the House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) extending current federal funding levels through Dec. 11. Signed into law by President Trump, the CR heads off a potential government shutdown at the end of the...
IFAI In the News: Native America Calling
ANCHORAGE, AK - The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative's Executive Director, Carly Griffith Hotvedt (Cherokee Nation), joined Native America Calling's weekly podcast to discuss a potential food crisis that is brewing in Arizona that could be a warning to other...
What We Do
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) focuses on putting Tribal sovereignty in food sovereignty, promoting Tribally driven solutions to revitalize and advance traditional food systems and diversified economic development throughout Indian Country. IFAI provides Tribal governments, producers, and food businesses with educational resources, policy research, and strategic legal analysis as a foundation for building robust food economies.
EVENT CALENDAR
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative participates in virutal and in-person events nationwide to ensure that Tribes and individual producers, regardless of their location, have access to the resources and support they need. IFAI participates in outreach events, youth events, food safety trainings, and Tribal enterprise outreach wherever we are needed. This calendar shows you where we are going and how we are impacting Indian Country.
Funding Opportunities
Grants and funding opportunities are key tools for many Tribes and Tribal producers. However, navigating the list of programs available can be challenging. To help, IFAI staff stay on top of the latest grants and opportunities. Check out the latest list by clicking the button below.
Putting Tribal Sovereignty

















