Putting Tribal Sovereignty
WASHINGTON – The President’s Budget Request for fiscal year 2027 proposes significant cuts to USDA programming and staffing, amidst a controversial reorganization plan and large-scale staff departures over the past year. The budget proposal, which outlines the President’s priorities but is non-binding, proposes a 19 percent cut to USDA and eliminates several programs that currently serve farmers and ranchers, as well as Tribal governments and rural communities.
Among other major cuts, the President’s proposal would eliminate: the State, Private, and Tribal Forestry program at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which provides funding and assistance to Tribes and others for forest management; conservation technical assistance at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which assists Tribes and others with implementing conservation practices; and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides food boxes for low-income seniors. The Budget also eliminates several Rural Development programs that support infrastructure needs and reduce high energy costs for Tribes and others in rural communities.
At the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers critical services for Native producers including loans and disaster assistance, the Budget recommends reducing staffing by 20 percent in both federal and frontline county offices. FSA lost approximately 25% of their staff in 2025, leading to costly delays for Tribes and Native producers.
The Budget includes $271 million for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), a $36 million increase, reflecting anticipated increased participation. The Budget also maintains $3 million for the FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Project.
If enacted, these budget cuts could have profound impacts on food, agriculture, and economic development for Tribes and Tribal citizens. However, the President’s Budget Request is not binding and is primarily a statement of the Administration’s policies and priorities. Congress retains the power of the purse and last year rejected several of the President’s proposed cuts. The House Appropriations Committee will be releasing the FY27 Agriculture Appropriations bill later this week.