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
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...
Rooted Wisdom, Season 2 Episode 9
What happens when a scholar trades syllabi for soil? In this episode of Rooted Wisdom, we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Christie Poitra, a former academic who followed her heart (and her roots) into the world of specialty crop farming in the Great Lakes region....
Policy Brief- September 30, 2025
Congress’ focus is on government funding, with the House out until Oct. 1 and the Senate yet to pass a short-term agreement. In a busy October, the USDA is hosting a virtual consultation on proposed changes to SNAP on Oct. 22 from 1-3 p.m. EST, with virtual-only...
USDA to host two consultations on proposed departmental re-organization on Oct. 14 and Oct 16
On September 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would hold two Tribal consultations to allow input and comment on the proposed departmental reorganization. The outline of the proposed reorganization was laid out in the July 2025 Secretarial Memorandum...
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.
Our Partners
Our work depends on the generous support we receive from the partners listed below.
