The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new initiatives aimed at empowering Tribal Nations, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to support Indigenous communities. These announcements were made by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack during the 2024 White House Tribal Nations Summit, a significant government-to-government meeting involving the U.S. Government and 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations.

"The Biden-Harris Administration has listened to Tribal Nations, and USDA is proud to answer with actions that empower Tribal Nation self-determination and food sovereignty," said Secretary Vilsack. "These USDA actions – from co-stewardship agreements with national forests to marketing Tribally produced food and agriculture businesses – help to create a stronger food system in Indian Country and honor our trust responsibility to Tribal Nations."

Among the new investments announced is $20 million in U.S. Forest Service awards aimed at helping Tribes access emerging climate markets that support forest management activities. Additionally, $25 million in Business Builder grants will be available through the National Intertribal Food Business Center (NIFBC) to assist small and mid-sized food and farm businesses across Indian Country.

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has also announced grant awards intended to transform Tribal land-grant colleges into centers for scientific inquiry in remote areas through the Tribal College Research Grant Program. Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) introduced an updated rule designed to make watershed conservation investments more accessible for Alaska Native Villages, Tribes, and Tribal organizations.

In line with these announcements, a report detailing Biden-Harris Administration actions supporting Indian country was released by the White House. USDA shared notable actions it has taken across various sectors including self-determination, forestry, farming, ranching, food sovereignty, youth development and education, as well as business and community development.

The USDA Forest Service plans to invest $20 million towards assisting federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations in accessing financial resources via emerging private markets focused on forest resilience among other goals. This funding comes from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.

Furthermore, $25 million in Business Builder grants will be provided by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) along with NIFBC to bolster small and mid-sized farm businesses within Indian Country.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary since joining the land-grant college network under the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994, several tribal colleges have received nearly $1.3 million through NIFA’s Tribal College Research Grant Program for research projects related to agriculture and forestry.

Lastly, NRCS announced improvements making it easier for Tribes without eminent domain authority to apply for infrastructure funding under its watershed programs.

The USDA continues its mission under the current administration by transforming America’s food system towards resilience while ensuring equitable opportunities across diverse communities nationwide.