Putting Tribal Sovereignty
in Food Sovereignty
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - Today, the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) published a detailed, section-by-section analysis of the Senate Farm Bill’s impacts on Indian Country. The 902-page bill, which was released on June 23, includes over 90 provisions that...
Dawn and Cassius Spears would like to expand their Rhode Island farm, but the Trump Administration has cut or scaled back some federal programs they and other small producers relied on to grow and distribute food. As Farm Bill discussions continue, they hope funding...
WASHINGTON - The Department of the Interior announced a call for nominations of representatives to serve on the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee, a key forum for strengthening collaboration between tribes and the federal government. The Secretary’s Tribal...
WASHINGTON-Last week, the Senate Agriculture Committee released its long-awaited Farm Bill text, the Agriculture Act of 2026. The legislation includes new safeguards against FDPIR warehouse disruptions, support for seafood producers, and advances for Tribal-led...
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - Today, the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative released an in-depth analysis of the impacts of USDA’s plans to significantly reorganize the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) on Indian Country. Under the reorganization plan, the Food and...
WASHINGTON - On June 3, the House Appropriations Committee advanced legislation funding the Department of Interior for the upcoming fiscal year. The bill increases funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) by almost 30%, a significant increase amidst cost-cutting...
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and National Association of Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations to Host Virtual Tribal Leader Caucus Ahead of USDA FDPIR Consultation June 16, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. Central Time Indigenous Food and Agriculture...
WASHINGTON - Last week, the House Appropriations committee advanced legislation that would cut USDA funding by 3%, significantly less than the 19% cut proposed by the President’s Budget Request. The bill largely maintains funding at current levels for Tribal-specific...
WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives passed its Farm Bill on Thursday, largely along party lines. The legislation now heads to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain path forward. Congress last passed a Farm Bill in 2018. IFAI identified over 70 provisions in...
WASHINGTON - As Congress reviews the President’s proposed FY27 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget, one line item that deserves particular attention in Indian Country is the proposed 83% reduction to State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG). While the...