Policy

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 Briefings

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Summary Although Congress remains on recess for this final week of August 2024, the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative has curated a list of important dates, events, and policy-related information. Here are the highlights:    USDA announced an emergency Tribal...

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Policy Brief – July 30, 2024

Summary Registration is still open for the Department of Interior’s scheduled virtual consultations and listening session in August and September about a proposed rule on Federal acknowledgment of Indian Tribes.  Last chance to nominate qualified individuals for the...

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Policy Brief – July 23, 2024

Summary   There is a Tribal consultation and listening session on July 29 about FNS’ research study on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).   The Department of Interior is hosting two virtual consultations and one...

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Policy Brief – July 16, 2024

Summary Last week, Senate Appropriations passed the FY2025 funding bill for USDA-FDA and other agencies.   The Department of Interior is hosting several July consultations/listening sessions taking place in-person and online to discuss the PROGRESS Act. They have also...

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Policy Brief – July 9, 2024

Summary   There is a Tribal consultation and listening session on July 29 about FNS’ research study on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).   Senate Appropriations marks up FY2025 USDA-FDA bills this Thursday, while...

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Policy Brief – July 2, 2024

Summary There are two Tribal consultations this month. The consultation on July 8 will focus on Tribal feedback about Budget Guidance per Executive Order 1412. The consultation and listening session on July 29 will be about FNS’ research study on the Special...

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Policy Brief – June 25, 2024

Summary USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service seeks nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production  FSA County Committee Nominations began June 17. Help improve FSA's service to Indian Country...

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Policy Brief – June 18, 2024

Summary House Appropriations moved the FY 2025 funding for USDA and FDA last week after a lengthy hearing.     InterTribal Buffalo Council President Ervin Carlson testified in support of legislation that would extend 638 authority to bison management programs at DOI,...

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Policy Brief – June 11, 2024

Summary USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service seeks nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production  There is a Federal Register Notice about a proposed rule on Poultry Grower Payment Systems;...

Policy Brief – August 26, 2024

Policy Brief – June 4, 2024

Summary USDA kicks off a week of Tribal consultations at NCAI mid-year to discuss self-determination policies in forestry, food safety, and nutrition programs as well as other topics. Registration for the Food and Nutrition Programs consultation remains open. Access...