Policy Brief- October 5

Summary:

IFAI Webinar: Updates on USDA Reorganization, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. IFAI’s legal and policy team will discuss ongoing litigation seeking to pause or stop the USDA reorganization, as well as potential impacts for Indian Country on food and nutrition assistance, forestry programs, and farm production and conservation.

Register today to hear the latest updates and learn what these changes could mean for Indian Country: https://tr.ee/HwdSTGRsa7

USDA Reorg Still Paused: On September 29, a federal judge held a hearing on a case involving the USDA’s ongoing reorganization. After the hearing, the court extended the administrative stay until October 13, 2026. This extension essentially continues a previous temporary stay the judge had ordered which paused USDA reorganization briefly while the judge heard key issues in the case.

In addition to extending this pause to October 13, the most recent court order also authorizes the USDA to provide relocation payments to employees who have already relocated, close offices that are already vacant, and reassign employees to a lower grade, provided the reassignment is for reasons unrelated to the reorganization.

Parties to the case—both USDA and the federal employee unions that brought the case—are also required to submit proposed language for a preliminary injunction by October 7. The injunction would continue to halt USDA reorganization efforts while the case proceeds.

This pause on reorganization includes key agencies administering programs and technical assistance for Indian Country, including the Food and Nutrition Administration, Farm Service Agency, and Natural Resources Conservation Service, among other USDA agencies.

Clean Water Act comment deadline: The last day to make public comments on the federal government’s proposed changes to the Clean Water Act (CWA)’s definition of “waters of the United States” is this Friday, October 9, 2026. Tribal governments, organizations, and individuals can submit comments until the deadline online. Interested in learning how this proposed change could impact Tribal agriculture? Read IFAI’s analysis HERE.

Both houses of Congress are currently on recess. Congressional updates will be limited until after the midterm elections in November.

None relevant to Indian Country food and agriculture.

Summary: The Rural Business Cooperative Service is accepting applications for the Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration Program. This program helps agricultural producers develop, market, and sell value-added agricultural products by supporting centers that provide technical assistance and business services. Approximately $2.5 million is available for grants. The program anticipates making approximately three awards ranging from $600,000 to $1 million. Matching funds are required for at least one-third of the project cost.

Indian Country Impact: The program may support Tribal efforts related to food sovereignty, value-added agriculture, local food systems, processing, marketing, and agricultural entrepreneurship by providing technical assistance and infrastructure rather than direct producer payments.

Summary: The notice requests public nominations for 20 of the BLM’s statewide and regional RACs with vacant positions or members whose terms are scheduled to expire. These RACs provide advice and recommendations to the BLM on land use planning and management of the National System of Public Lands within the geographic areas for which the RACs are organized.

Indian Country Impact: Producers, nonprofits, and Tribal officers can become members of RACs to ensure their interests are considered in the management of public lands.
Relevant deadline: All nominations must be received no later than October 26, 2026.