Putting Tribal SovereigntyOur mission is to enhance the health and wellness of Tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions.
WHAT’S NEW
Policy Brief- October 21
Summary: Today is the last day to register for the Oct. 22 Tribal consultation on proposed changes to SNAP. That consultation is still happening regardless of the government shut down. IFAI will release an analysis piece following the consultation. IFAI has a...
Tribal Food Access at Risk: Comment on Ultra-Processed Food Definitions by October 23, 2025
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are currently considering whether to define “ultra processed foods” (UPFs) and how that definition could be used in food labeling, nutrition programs, and dietary guidelines. The...
Policy Brief- October 14, 2025
IFAI Executive Director, Carly Griffith Hotvedt, was featured in a KOSU article discussing the impacts of federal funding uncertainty on Tribal food and agriculture. After the Oct. 14 Tribal leader consultation on USDA’s departmental Reorganization Plan, there is...
In the News: KOSU
In a recent feature by KOSU, Carly Griffith Hotvedt (Cherokee Nation), Executive Director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI), shared insights on the challenges and resilience of Tribal food systems amid federal funding uncertainty. “[T]ribes are...
Policy Brief- October 7, 2025
While Congress is holding hearings through the government shutdown, there were none scheduled with direct impacts on Tribal food and agriculture this week. Despite the shutdown, the USDA Office of Tribal Relations page still shows two Tribal leader consultations...
What We Do
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) focuses on putting Tribal sovereignty in food sovereignty, promoting Tribally driven solutions to revitalize and advance traditional food systems and diversified economic development throughout Indian Country. IFAI provides Tribal governments, producers, and food businesses with educational resources, policy research, and strategic legal analysis as a foundation for building robust food economies.
EVENT CALENDAR
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative participates in virutal and in-person events nationwide to ensure that Tribes and individual producers, regardless of their location, have access to the resources and support they need. IFAI participates in outreach events, youth events, food safety trainings, and Tribal enterprise outreach wherever we are needed. This calendar shows you where we are going and how we are impacting Indian Country.
Funding Opportunities
Grants and funding opportunities are key tools for many Tribes and Tribal producers. However, navigating the list of programs available can be challenging. To help, IFAI staff stay on top of the latest grants and opportunities. Check out the latest list by clicking the button below.
WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the 2026 Farm Bill during the week of April 27, according to a recent notice from the House Rules...
Central State University Location: Wilberforce, OH Closing Date: Open Until Filled Duties Include: Develop, organize and provide outreach and programming for current...
Key takeaways for Indian Country Last week, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Salt Lake City, Utah. They will close...
IFAI Bill Analysis: S.3994 - PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act Bill Text Sponsors: Sens. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) Current status:...
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House Agriculture Committee held a markup of their proposed Farm Bill, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R.7567) on March 3...
Our Partners
Our work depends on the generous support we receive from the partners listed below.
