Putting Tribal SovereigntyPolicy
What we do
The IFAI Policy team assists Tribal Nations in strengthening their food systems and agricultural initiatives by delivering timely and accurate analyses of federal laws and policies that affect Tribal agriculture.
Policy RESOURCES
IFAI Publishes Analysis of Senate Farm Bill
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - Today, the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) published a detailed, section-by-section analysis of the Senate Farm Bill’s impacts on Indian Country. The 902-page bill, which was released on June 23, includes over 90 provisions that...
Policy Brief- July 7
Summary: Call for STAC nominations - The Department of Interior’s Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) is seeking nominations for new representatives. STAC is a key forum for strengthening collaboration between Tribes and the Federal government. Nominations...
Tribes hope Farm Bill can feed more people and preserve Indigenous culture
Dawn and Cassius Spears would like to expand their Rhode Island farm, but the Trump Administration has cut or scaled back some federal programs they and other small producers relied on to grow and distribute food. As Farm Bill discussions continue, they hope funding...
Interior Seeks Tribal Advisory Committee Nominations
WASHINGTON - The Department of the Interior announced a call for nominations of representatives to serve on the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee, a key forum for strengthening collaboration between tribes and the federal government. The Secretary’s Tribal...
Policy Brief- June 30
Summary: Farm Bill - Last week, the Senate Agriculture Committee released its long-awaited Farm Bill text, the Agriculture Act of 2026. The legislation includes new safeguards against FDPIR warehouse disruptions, support for seafood producers, and advances for...
Senate Ag Committee Releases Farm Bill
WASHINGTON-Last week, the Senate Agriculture Committee released its long-awaited Farm Bill text, the Agriculture Act of 2026. The legislation includes new safeguards against FDPIR warehouse disruptions, support for seafood producers, and advances for Tribal-led...
IFAI Publishes Analysis of USDA FNS Reorganization
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - Today, the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative released an in-depth analysis of the impacts of USDA’s plans to significantly reorganize the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) on Indian Country. Under the reorganization plan, the Food and...
Policy Brief- June 22
Summary: Farm Bill: Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) is expected to introduce the Senate’s version of the Farm Bill on Tuesday, June 23. The Committee is expected to mark up the legislation in July. The House passed their version of the Farm...
Policy Brief- June 15
Summary: FDPIR Tribal leader Caucus. IFAI and NAFDPIR will be hosting a Virtual Tribal Leader Caucus on June 16 at 1-2pm CT on the upcoming FDPIR consultation. IFAI will provide policy updates and background on consultation topics announced by USDA. Register for the...
House Committee Approves Increase to BIA Funding
WASHINGTON - On June 3, the House Appropriations Committee advanced legislation funding the Department of Interior for the upcoming fiscal year. The bill increases funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) by almost 30%, a significant increase amidst cost-cutting...