Tom Vilsack Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Official Website
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a series of initiatives by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Biden-Harris Administration aimed at enhancing Tribal sovereignty and fulfilling long-standing requests from Tribal Nations for better partnership with the USDA. These measures also seek to bolster the overall resilience of the food system.
The announcements, made in Cherokee, North Carolina at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) 2024 Mid Year Convention and Marketplace, include over $42 million for awardees under the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program, $18 million for projects under the Tribal Forest Protection Act, and $2.3 million to support Indigenous foods in school meal programs. Additionally, USDA introduced a class of interns focused on Tribal agriculture and food sovereignty and plans to sponsor its first international trade mission centered on Tribal Nation and Native Hawaiian Community businesses later this month.
"USDA has worked hand-in-hand with Tribal Nations to ensure our programs incorporate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives," Vilsack stated. "As part of our commitment to Tribes, we are making good on our promises and investing in projects that advance food sovereignty and self-determination for Tribal Nations."
The USDA is awarding $42.5 million in grants to eight Tribal Nations through Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grants. This funding aims to expand processing opportunities using both modern and traditional harvesting methods for native animals like bison, reindeer, and salmon. For example:
- The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in North Carolina will receive a $6.5 million grant to build a center for processing animals raised or hunted by its members.
- The Passamaquoddy Tribe in Maine will use a $4.3 million grant to build an aquaculture facility for growing North American eel.
- The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska will use a $4.8 million grant to build a buffalo meat processing facility.
Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, USDA’s Forest Service is investing $18 million in 23 projects supporting the Tribal Forest Protection Act. These projects focus on hazardous fuels risk reduction and watershed restoration while incorporating Indigenous knowledge for sustainable land use.
Examples include:
- The Keex'Kwaan Community Forest Partnership in Alaska will plan projects promoting forest access, healthy habitats, climate resilience, food security, and local economic diversification.
- The Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program will work with forest crews across several national forests.
- The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa project aims to improve wild rice habitat on Wisconsin River.
In addition, USDA will provide $2.3 million in grants across five organizations supporting child nutrition programs that serve more Indigenous foods to Tribal communities.
For instance:
- C-PREP's Wind River Food Sovereignty project will support four school districts on Wyoming's Wind River Indian Reservation.
- The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will assist native food producers across six Hawaiian Islands.
- NATIFS’ expansion of their Indigenous Food Lab will benefit 11 sovereign nations within Minnesota.
This summer marks the launch of USDA’s new internship program focused on Tribal agriculture through the Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program. Fourteen students from various academic backgrounds will engage with USDA programs that benefit Indian Country.
Lastly, from June 17-20, USDA Under Secretary Alexis M. Taylor will lead an agribusiness trade mission showcasing Tribal products in Canada.
These efforts reflect USDA's commitment under the Biden-Harris Administration to transform America’s food system by focusing on resilient local production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring community access to nutritious food, building new income streams through climate-smart practices, investing in rural infrastructure and clean energy capabilities while fostering equity across its departments.
