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
Policy Brief – October 17, 2023
Policy Brief Summary: The House of Representatives remains without a speaker, but Senate Banking holds a subcommittee hearing on CDFIs, specifically hosting a representative from Native CDFI Oweesta as a witness to these organizations’ roles in community development...
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative Awarded Cooperative Agreement to Develop FDPIR Produce Training
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) at the University of Arkansas School of Law recently entered into a cooperative agreement with U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS). This $500,000 award will support the...
Policy Brief – October 10, 2023
Policy Brief Summary: October 13 is the final day for Tribes and ITOs to submit comment to USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s proposed parity rules impacting FDPIR and CSFP. Check out the IFAI resources and draft letter for those ITOs and Tribes interested here. The...
Policy Brief – October 3, 2023
Policy Brief Summary: A government shutdown was temporarily averted with Congress signing a 45 day continuing resolution. While there are no meetings related to Tribal food and agriculture scheduled this week, last week, there were hearings on farmland management and...
Policy Brief – September 26, 2023
Policy Brief Summary: Facing a government shutdown if Congress reaches no agreement by the end of September, the Office of Management and Budget instructed all agencies to update their shutdown contingency plans. A report by Government Executive shows that in 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.
Our Partners
Our work depends on the generous support we receive from the partners listed below.
