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
Rooted Wisdom, Season 2 Episode 5: Special Series: Makin Scratch with Nick Hernandez
Makoce Agriculture Development is leading the way in the poultry industry with their revolutionary programs to support tribal producers. Founder and CEO, Nick Hernandez joined Tish Mindemann for the final installment of Makin' Scratch. When discussing Makoce,...
Policy Brief- June 24, 2025
The Department of the Interior will hold the last two consultations on June 24 and 26 with Tribal leaders about the Department’s DRAFT FY2026 - 2030 Strategic Plan. It’s a busy week in the House of Representatives, with House Appropriations holding a Monday night a...
Policy Brief- June 17, 2025
The Department of the Interior will hold further consultations from June 17 - 26 with Tribal leaders about the Department’s DRAFT FY2026 - 2030 Strategic Plan. There are several Federal Register notices from FNS this week, including one about ending the requirement...
IFAI Policy Brief June 10, 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. On...
Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections- Why It Matters
A vital participation opportunity for Indian Country agriculture producers is coming up soon. Beginning June 16, 2025, nominations open for local elections to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committees. The FSA plays an...
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.
