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: ProPublica
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative’s Sr. Staff Attorney, Kelli Case (Chickasaw Nation), was featured in ProPublica, which was picked up by several regional news outlets. Case discussed the impacts of the rescission of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance...
In the News: The Menu
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative’s Sr. Staff Attorney, Kelli Case (Chickasaw Nation), was featured on Native America Calling's weekly show, The Menu. Case was asked about the potential cuts proposed in the bill that passed the House last week. Case said,...
IFAI Policy Brief June 3, 2025
IFAI has a template letter for Tribes interested in commenting on USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service rescinding a 2023 final rule that removed “visual observation” by State agencies on the collection of race and ethnicity data. Comments are due June 15 to USDA. ...
IFAI Policy Brief May 27, 2025
Summary IFAI is working on a template letter for Tribes interested in commenting on USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service rescinding a 2023 final rule that removed “visual observation” by State agencies on the collection of race and ethnicity data. The template letter...
Rooted Wisdom, Season 2 Episode 3: Special Series: Makin Scratch with Dr. Clark
In a timely and vital episode of Rooted Wisdom, the podcast dives deep into the challenges and resilience of the poultry industry in Indian Country. The first installment of this special series features Dr. Fred Dustin Clark, a member of the Choctaw Nation and...
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.
