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 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...
Policy Brief- June 8
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...
Policy Brief- June 2
Summary: 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 FDPIR Tribal Leader Caucus...
IFAI to Host Virtual Tribal Leader Caucus Ahead of USDA FDPIR Consultation
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and National Association of Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations to Host Virtual Tribal Leader Caucus Ahead of USDA FDPIR Consultation June 16, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. Central Time Indigenous Food and Agriculture...
Policy Brief- May 26
Summary: 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 FDPIR Tribal Leader Caucus...
Policy Brief- May 19
Summary: The Tribal-Interior Budget Council will meet on May 19 and 20, 2026. Registration is closed, but the meeting will be live streamed here: https://www.youtube.com/USIndianAffairs IFAI will be watching multiple Congressional hearings this week from the House...
Policy Brief- May 12
Summary: Read IFAI's analysis of the House agriculture appropriations bill (H.R.8646), which cuts USDA funding by 3%. Reminder: The Tribal consultations on the Tribal Interior Budget Council will be happening on May 19 and 20. The consultation will be held in-person,...