Putting Tribal Sovereignty
in Food Sovereignty
FAYETTVILLE, AR. - This analysis examines the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, jointly released by the U.S. Departments of Health & Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA)in January 2026.We begin with a brief explanation of the changes these new...
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Feb. 13, the House Committee on Agriculture released its long-awaited Farm Bill draft, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R.7567). The Committee will hold a markup beginning March 3. Background The Farm Bill is an important...
Summary: The markup of the recently released Farm Bill language has been postponed to March 3, 2026. Federal Register notices to highlight this week include proposed rules from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regarding the Maximum Line Speed Rates...
Summary: Check out our new section, General Policy Updates, below! Read about the new FDIPR Food Package Review Group and recent updates on the Farm Bill. The Senate and the House of Representatives are out of session, and no Congressional hearings related to Tribal...
WASHINGTON, D.C. & FAYETTEVILLE, AR — The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) today announced the launch of a new collaborative digital resource hub designed to empower Tribal Nations in exercising...
Join Indian Country food and agriculture leaders and policy experts as they explore the growing national momentum behind Tribal Departments of Agriculture and what it means for food sovereignty, governance, and future generations. 🎙 Moderated by: Mark Trahant...
Summary: This week, we will be monitoring a hearing from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs examining the Small Business Administration Native 8(a) Programs. Nominations for the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council will close on Feb. 17. USDA’s...
Summary: There are two Congressional hearings on Tuesday from the House Appropriations Committee and the House Committee on Natural Resources. Notes relevant to Tribal food and agriculture will be posted next week. Two Federal Register notices of interest this week...
Summary: USDA’s Forest Service is holding a virtual engagement session with Tribes on Feb. 11, 2026, to discuss the implementation of the EXPLORE Act, which includes an expansion of the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). Register online HERE. The Forest Service is...
After years of collaborative work to expand opportunities for Tribal agricultural development, the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), in partnership with the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI), successfully worked with the members of the National...