Summary:

• USDA Reorganization Hearing, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time- A federal court is holding a public hearing in a case that focuses on legal challenges to USDA’s current departmental reorganization plan. The federal judge presiding over the case previously issued an administrative stay that paused reorganization until at least October 2, 2026. The hearing will focus on the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction; if granted, this would continue to pause the reorganization while the case goes forward. Anyone interested in watching the proceeding can view the hearing on Zoom using the link and meeting information the court has provided.
  • Hearing Link HERE
  • Meeting ID: 1612857657
  • Passcode: 547298
• IHS awards $3.5 million for Tribal food and nutrition initiatives- The grants will support community-driven programs that increase access to fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods while addressing food insecurity and chronic disease. Fourteen Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations will be awarded through the Produce Prescription Pilot Program.
• Bureau of Land Management- National Call for Nominations for Resource Advisory Councils- These councils provide input on public land management decisions and include representatives from industry, recreation, environmental organizations, Tribal governments, state and local governments, academia, and the public. They are seeking applicants for seats on 20 Regional Advisory Councils, including Alaska. 

Congressional Updates: 

 Introduced Legislation:

• R. 10509- BEEF Act – This bill would cancel a recent expansion of foreign beef imports, require congressional approval for future import increases, and create a USDA advisory board to develop strategies for rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd and strengthening domestic beef production.

Upcoming Committee Activity

None relevant to Indian Country food and agriculture.

Regulatory Updates:

Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration (AIC) Program 2026.  

• Agency implicated: Rural Business Cooperative Service- USDA 

• Type of action: Notice of Funding Opportunity  

• Summary: The Rural Business Cooperative Service is accepting applications for the Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration Program. This program helps agricultural producers develop, market, and sell value-added agricultural products by supporting centers that provide technical assistance and business services. Approximately $2.5 million is available for grants. The program anticipates making approximately three awards ranging from $600,000 to $1 million. Matching Funds are required for at least one-third of the project cost.   

• Indian Country Impact: The program may support Tribal efforts related to food sovereignty, value-added agriculture, local food systems, processing, marketing, and agricultural entrepreneurship by providing technical assistance and infrastructure rather than direct producer payments.  

• Relevant deadline: Applications are due by January 31, 2027.  

National Call for Nominations for Resource Advisory Councils 

• Agency implicated: Bureau of Land Management, Department of Interior

   

• Type of action: Notice of call for nominations

   

• Summary: The notice requests public nominations for 20 of the BLM’s statewide and regional RACs with vacant positions or members whose terms are scheduled to expire. These RACs provide advice and recommendations to the BLM on land use planning and management of the National System of Public Lands within the geographic areas for which the RACs are organized.

   

• Indian Country Impact: Producers, nonprofits, and Tribal officers can become members of RACs to ensure their interests are considered in the management of public lands.

   

• Relevant deadline: All nominations must be received no later than October 26, 2026.