Our 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: Empowering Tribal Food and Agriculture
In the latest episode of Rooted Wisdom, produced by the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, host Tish Mindemann delves into the impact of IFAI's legal and policy expertise on supporting the growth and expansion of Tribal food and agriculture. In this episode,...
University of Arkansas Native American Student Services, in Partnership with the Multicultural Center, Welcomes Native Students to Campus
The University of Arkansas campus is bustling with students once more as the fall 2024 semester begins. The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative recently had the chance to welcome new and transferring students during the Native and Indigenous Student A-Week...
In the News: Tribal food assistance program in shambles after USDA warehouse consolidation
Buffalo Fire's recently featured the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and the impact disruptions within the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations are having on Tribal citizens across the country. Read an excerpt of the article below, and click...
IFAI and Law School Create Ways to Help Native Farmers with Tax Challenges in Indian Country
In the latest episode of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative’s (IFAI) podcast Rooted Wisdom: Exploring Tribal Agriculture, host Tish Mindemann explores resources developed by the University of Arkansas and IFAI to support Native producers and tax...
Policy Brief – July 30, 2024
Summary Registration is still open for the Department of Interior’s scheduled virtual consultations and listening session in August and September about a proposed rule on Federal acknowledgment of Indian Tribes. Last chance to nominate qualified individuals for the...
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.
Putting Tribal Sovereignty


















