Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative

06/16/2026

📢 Attention Muscogee Nation Ag Producers & Citizens! 🌾🐂

The nomination period is officially open now for farmers and ranchers to serve on local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees!

Crucial Update for Tribal Nations:

Members and citizens of federally recognized tribes possess unique eligibility advantages. If your voting eligibility is based on land that is tribally owned or held in trust by the United States, you are automatically considered an agricultural landowner. This means you qualify to vote and run for these committees even if you do not personally produce an agricultural commodity on that land.

These committees make critical decisions on how federal farm programs are run locally. Make sure our reservation's voice is heard!

📅 Deadline:
Submit or postmark your nomination packet by August 3, 2026.

How to Apply:

📥 Download: Get your nomination packet instantly at [fsa.usda.gov/coc](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/)

✍️ Nominate:
You can nominate yourself or another eligible local producer.

🏢 Submit:
Turn it in to your local FSA office before the deadline.

Let's ensure strong representation for our tribal agricultural community! ✊🏽🌾



https://www.fsa.usda.gov (https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/06-16-2026/nominations-now-open-farmers-ranchers-serve-usda-farm-service-agency-0)

https://www.fsa.usda.gov (https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/06-16-2026/nominations-now-open-farmers-ranchers-serve-usda-farm-service-agency-0)

https://www.fsa.usda.gov (https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_Notice/ao_1899.pdf)

https://www.fsa.usda.gov (https://www.fsa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2021_fsa-nomination-packet.pdf)

https://www.fsa.usda.gov (https://www.fsa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fsa_coc_cocommelect_brochure_2023_web.pdf)

https://www.oklahomafarmreport.com (https://www.oklahomafarmreport.com/2026/04/21/usda-declares-drought-disaster-for-oklahoma-and-surrounding-states-opening-emergency-loan-access/)

https://www.fsa.usda.gov (https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/06-16-2025/nominations-now-open-farmers-ranchers-serve-usda-farm-service-agency)

06/16/2026

📣Don't miss out on the Tribal Virtual Leader Caucus today, June 16 1-2 p.m. CT!

Discussion topics will include:
🌱FDPIR policy updates
🌱Food package availability
🌱Funding and sustainability
🌱Indigenous food systems
🌱Technology and reporting
🌱FNS restructuring impacts
🌱Veterans’ disability payment exclusions

🔗 Register here: https://tr.ee/ISH_WELDHM

06/16/2026

✨Stay in the loop with what matters most! Last week, IFAI team members Kaycee Captain, Will Seeley, Mai Ngyuen, and Jamie Black got together to teach a produce safety training to the seven people of the Golden Eagle Farm crew out at the Mesa Grande Reservation.

The IFAI Roundup is here bringing you the latest on food sovereignty, ag policy updates, and stories from across Indian Country.

Don’t miss out! Read the newest edition and get subscribed here: https://tr.ee/W7-C7_tG6K

06/15/2026

Don't miss the Virtual Tribal Leader Caucus tomorrow, June 16, 2026 (1-2 PM CT) hosted by NAFDPIR and IFAI ahead of the upcoming FDPIR consultation.

Discussion topics will include:
🌱 FDPIR policy updates
🌱 Food package availability
🌱 Funding and sustainability
🌱 Indigenous food systems
🌱 Technology and reporting
🌱 FNS restructuring impacts
🌱 Veterans’ disability payment exclusions

This event is closed to the press and open only to Tribal Leaders, staff, and proxies.
Register here: https://tr.ee/ISH_WELDHM

06/15/2026

✨ Congratulations to Elizabeth Stroud (Cherokee/Muscogee) on being named the 2026 Law and Policy Fellow for Indigenous Food and Agriculture (IFAI), supported by the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF)!

A citizen of the Cherokee Nation and 2026 graduate of The University of Iowa College of Law, Stroud is passionate about advancing Tribal sovereignty, strengthening Indigenous food systems, and supporting Tribal Nations through law and policy.

We look forward to seeing the impact of her work in Indian Country.
Read more here: https://tr.ee/ijo6XdvyxN

06/15/2026

📣 Join us today, Monday, June 15th at 12 p.m. CT, for the IFAI Self-Advocacy for Youth Webinar Series on agricultural loans!

This webinar will focus on understanding loans: how lenders evaluate potential borrowers for a loan, what to consider in choosing a lender, lending opportunities at FSA and other financial institutions, and advocating for yourself throughout the loan process.

🗓Register through the QR code or at the link: https://tr.ee/6v6ZEVYQp5

06/12/2026

📣The House Appropriations Committee advanced its FY27 Interior funding bill, increasing Bureau of Indian Affairs funding by 29% while proposing cuts to several Tribal forestry, environmental, and conservation programs. The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.

Read the full analysis here: https://tr.ee/-3odxMifYZ

06/11/2026

✨Join us on Monday, June 15th at 12 p.m. CT, for the IFAI Self-Advocacy for Youth Webinar Series on agricultural loans!

This webinar will focus on understanding loans: how lenders evaluate potential borrowers for a loan, what to consider in choosing a lender, lending opportunities at FSA and other financial institutions, and advocating for yourself throughout the loan process.

🗓Register through the QR code or at the link: https://tr.ee/6v6ZEVYQp5

06/09/2026

✨Stay in the loop with what matters most! Last week, IFAI Executive Director Carly Griffith Hotvedt, JD, MPA was joined by a group of panelist to speak on The Rise of Native-Lead Nonprofits in an Era of Federal Retreat Time.

The IFAI Roundup is here bringing you the latest on food sovereignty, ag policy updates, and stories from across Indian Country.

Don’t miss out! Read the newest edition and get subscribed here: https://tr.ee/W7-C7_tG6K

06/08/2026

📣Check out our friends over at MCN with the Growing Power Agriculture Expo on July 17-18!

📢 Muscogee Nation Reservation & Beyond: Growing Power Agriculture Expo 🌾🚜

Join us for a premier regional gathering dedicated to strengthening agriculture through education, innovation, and community!

Whether you are an experienced producer, beginning farmer, homesteader, student, or just curious about agriculture, this Expo offers something for everyone.

📅 July 17–18, 2026
📍 Okmulgee County Fairgrounds | Okmulgee, OK

🎟️ FREE ADMISSION!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1H1sv9teCT/

Vendor Registration:
https://forms.office.com/r/caDjf1AR5m

Be sure to follow this page for event updates, featured speakers, vendor spotlights, schedules, demonstrations, and other announcements as we get closer to the Expo.

We look forward to seeing you in Okmulgee this July!