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: The Menu
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative's Executive Director Carly Griffith Hotvedt (Cherokee Nation), joined Native American Calling's program, The Menu, on Feb. 28 to discuss the recent executive orders, Tribal status as a protected political class, and the...
Applications Now Open for Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit
Applications are open for the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative's Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit, set for July 10 - 18, 2025. The annual event brings Tribal youth from across the country to the University of Arkansas where they spend a...
IFAI Policy Brief March 4, 2025
Summary Check out IFAI’s blogpost and comment template letter about USDA’s Child Nutrition Programs Tribal Pilot Projects. Tribes can submit comments through March 24. Nominations for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Permanent Advisory Committee ...
UPDATE: USDA cancels LFPA25 funding, will honor LFPA and LFPA+ agreements”
Headline: UPDATE: USDA cancels LFPA25 funding, will honor LFPA and LFPA+ agreements March 8, 2025 After initially announcing it was accepting applications for the latest round of Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative...
What is Rural Development, Why Does it Matter to Indian Country?
Tribal Nations often exist in some of the country’s most remote and rural areas. Because of this, Tribal investments and enterprises support greater opportunities for rural America to thrive and experience economic success. Tribal Nations spur rural job creation,...
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.
