Putting Tribal SovereigntyIFAI’s policy and research team monitors the Federal Register for updates, notices, information, events, and more that are important or could impact Indian Country. The listings are broken down into three categories:
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Announcements
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Rule/Policy Updates
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Nominations
Announcements
These are Federal Register notices about upcoming Tribal Consultations, listening sessions, public meetings, and funding opportunities as well as policy updates.
The Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems; Delay of Effective Date
Type of Action: Notice
Overview:
- USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is delaying the effective date of the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems final rule. One of the actions in the final rule “prohibits livestock poultry dealers from reducing a grower’s compensation based on the grower’s ranking under a poultry grower ranking system.” The delay allows time for further consideration of possible actions regarding the final rule implementation. The new proposed effective date will be changed from July 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2027.
Rate Adjustments for Indian Irrigation Projects
Type of Action: Notice
Overview:
- DOI’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) published a notice about rate adjustments for Indian irrigation projects. BIA establishes irrigation assessment rates to recover project administration, operation, and maintenance costs. Regions like the Northwest Region and the Western Region will see an increase in their proposed 2027 rates. Comments must be received by May 22, 2026.
Rule/Policy Updates
These are Federal Register notices about rules, regulations, and policy updates that have potential impacts to Tribal food and agriculture and provide opportunities for public comments or feedback.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Type of Action: Request for Comment
Overview:
- USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is requesting comments for a study on Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Tribal Organization and U.S. Territories. This study will inform FNS about WIC variation operations among Tribal Organizations, U.S. territories, and geographic States that administer the program. Knowledge gaps about unique administrative issues and the high cost of operations in Tribal Organizations and U.S. territories will be examined. Comments must be received by May 6, 2026.
National Environmental Policy Act
Type of Action: Final Rule
Overview:
- USDA is finalizing the Interim Final Rule (IFR) published in July 2025 that rewrote its NEPA framework after the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) rescinded its NEPA regulations. Removes certain rules from the regulations, creates a new USDA-specific NEPA framework, and aligns with recent executive orders. This final rule is effective Apr. 3, 2026.
Revising Establishment Size Definitions
Type of Action: Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Overview:
- USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking revising how the Agency defines establishment size for its oversight of meat and poultry establishments and egg products plants. Since 1996, the Agency has used Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) size categories based on employee count and annual sales; for example, a “very small” establishment has fewer than 10 employees or annual sales under $2.5 million. The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) provided feedback in September 2024, noting that current definitions group together businesses that operate at very different scales. Comments must be submitted by May 26, 2026.
National Organic Program: National List of Allowed an Prohibited Substances per October 2021, October 2022, and October 2024 Recommendations (Crops and Livestock)
Type of Action: Proposed Rule
Overview:
- USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has published a proposed rule regarding organic regulations related to organic crop and livestock production. Proposed changes include allowing carbon dioxide in organic crop production and meloxicam for pain treatment in organic livestock production. Entities that may be affected by this proposed rule include organic crop and/or livestock producers, as well as individuals or business entities considering organic certification for crop and/or livestock production. Comments must be received by May 22, 2026.
Maximum Line Speed Under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System
Type of Action: Proposed Rule
Overview:
- USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a proposed rule allowing establishments under the NSIS to have more control in determining their own line speeds. Under this proposed rule, FSIS also proposes that its inspectors may reduce the rate of establishment operations in the slaughter process if it is perceived that there is a loss of process control. The removal of the requirement for annual attestation to FSIS is also being proposed. Comments must be received by April 20, 2026
Maximum Line Speed Rates for Young Chicken and Turkey Establishments Operating Under the New Poultry Inspection System
Type of Action: Proposed Rule
Overview:
- USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a proposed rule amending regulations related to line speed rates for chicken and turkey establishments. Proposed amendments include allowing young chicken establishments to operate at line speeds up to 175 birds per minute (bpm); increasing the maximum line speed for turkey establishments from 55 bpm to 60 bpm; and clarifying FSIS’ role in directing operations at reduced line speed. Comments must be received by April 20, 202
Nominations
Including Native voices and perspectives to inform federal agencies through committees and boards is critical to addressing the unique needs of Indian Country. Check out this curated list of current opportunities, and please reach out with any questions: agpolicy@uark.edu.