Summary: IFAI completed an analysis on the amendments offered during the markup session for the House Committee version of the 2026 Farm Bill (H.R.7567) For more information on our analysis, key takeaways for Indian Country, and registration for IFAI’s upcoming Farm...

Summary: The markup session for the House Committee version of the 2026 Farm Bill (H.R.7567) is scheduled for March 3, 2026. See the General Policy Updates section below for more info on the expected multi-day markup and Fiscal Year 2027 funding process.   IFAI has...

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...

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...

Summary:  Do you know anyone aged 18-24 years old who is thinking about a possible career in Tribal food and agriculture? Applications for IFAI’s 2026 Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit are now open! The final deadline for all applications is...

Summary:  Last week, USDA’s Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) held its final meeting of 2025 during the Intertribal Agriculture Council’s (IAC) Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. The various TAC subcommittees (e.g. Ranching, Farm Production, and Conservation...

Summary:  There are no Congressional hearings relevant to Tribal food and agriculture this week.  The FDPIR Tribal Leaders Consultation Work Group will hold its final government-to-government consultation of the year with USDA during the Intertribal Agriculture...