Newsletters
Newsletter Archive
New Projects Aim to Expand Economic Opportunities for Native American Farmers and Ranchers
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) announces $10 million in grants awarded to Tribes, non-profits, educational institutions, and community development financial institutions serving Native American farmers and ranchers. NAAF is in its sixth year of grantmaking, reaching $76 million since the first funding cycle impacting more than 450 distinct projects across Indian Country.
“Over the past five years of grantmaking, additional capital resources that support Native farmers and ranchers continue to create lasting solutions that will reinforce efforts to address barriers and help producers thrive. Grant projects can create more access to capital not only by direct financial opportunity but also by building an ecosystem where Native producers have equitable resources to fully participate in the food supply chain and contribute to the long-term economic success of their tribal communities,” says Toni Stanger-McLaughlin (Colville), CEO of the Native American Agriculture Fund.
Updates to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs - Join us for our Upcoming Webinar
Read Aug. 16, 2024 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) commends the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its recent announcement of crucial updates to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs, set to take effect on September 25, 2024.
“These long-awaited changes represent a significant step forward for agricultural producers. The culmination of decades of advocacy, the leadership of this administration has made it possible for these essential updates to come to fruition. For those who have faced challenges due to outdated rules and barriers, the improvements in FSA over the past three years have paved the way for a more promising future for all. We are grateful for the dedication of both appointed and career staff who have worked tirelessly to enhance the USDA for the benefit of every producer.” – Toni Stanger-McLaughlin
Understanding Food Security and Sovereignty in Alaska Native Communities
Read the June 27, 2024, issue of the NAAF newsletter.
Food sovereignty and security was outlined in a conceptual framework by the Inuit Circumpolar Council-Alaska in 2015. They found that without food sovereignty, there was no food security. One of the biggest threats to Indigenous Food Security is the lack of decision-making power and management authority for Indigenous communities over the food resources they depend upon. In this newsletter read the report created by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Program, on “Food Security and Sovereignty in Alaska Native Communities.”
Tolani Lake Enterprises Supports Native Famers Through Mini-Grants and Micro-Loans
Read the May 3, 2024 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
Tolani Lake Enterprises (TLE) is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering Navajo and Hopi communities in the Little Colorado River Valley by revitalizing agricultural practices and fostering economic security. Through collaborative efforts with regional partners, TLE provides essential support to farmers and food entrepreneurs, offering training, technical assistance, business guidance, mini-grants, and micro-loans.
To read the full blog post or to watch their grantee video, visit NativeAmericanAgricultureFund.org/grantee-stories.
Cultivating Conservation in Indigenous Agriculture Summit
Read Apr. 4, 2024 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) Request for Application (RFA) with a pool of $10 million is CLOSING SOON on May 1, 2024.
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) is hosting its inaugural conservation programming, “The Cultivating Conservation in Indigenous Agriculture Summit.” This virtual event gathers leaders in Native agriculture and focuses on how conservation practices on Native lands are impacted by capital, policy, traditional ecological knowledge, federal programming, and sharing the unique opportunities and challenges associated with agricultural production in Indian country.
NAAF's 2024 Request for Applications Open
Read the Mar. 6 , 2024, issue of the NAAF newsletter.
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) announced its sixth year of grantmaking. The request for application (RFA) is now open, and the pool of $10 million will close on May 1, 2024.
“This year, we have heard from producers and our grantees that there is a need for capital that can be allocated to adaptive and mitigative strategies for climate-related impacts on agricultural practices. By investing in these focus areas, the funding aims to equip Native producers with the necessary capital to implement practices that enhance their production but also revitalize long-term sustainability of the land and food systems.” – Toni Stanger-McLaughlin
What do Native producers need to know about the Indian Arts and Crafts Act?
Read the July 25, 2023 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
The Department of the Interior recently put forward a draft of revisions to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which include agricultural products.
The DOI is seeking input on draft revisions to the IACA regulations, including agricultural products. Read this newsletter for consultation dates.
Deadline Approaching - RFA Applications Due June 1
Read May 25, 2023 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
Watch the first two 2023 RFA webinars. All webinar recordings are currently posted and archived on the NAAF website.
NAAF partners with the Food Research and Action Center to connect families to WIC in tribal communities from the new WIC Community Innovation and Outreach (CAIO) project.
Learn more about the 4 Tribal projects the USDA is funding to increase participation in the WIC program.
Native Food Access Survey Available
Read the April 28, 2023, issue of the NAAF newsletter.
49% of American Indian and Alaska Natives experienced food insecurity during COVID-19, and one in four experienced very low food insecurity.
NAAF and the Food Reasearch and Action Center are asking you to make your voice heard on food access barriers, food sovereignty, and food security in your household and tribal community.
NAAF 2023 Request for Applications - Now Open
Read the April 18, 2023 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
Learn more about the NAAF Request for Applications and watch the first RFA webinar. Register for additional webinars in this newsletter.
NAAF and the Mellon Foundation announce the Cultural Foodways Fund. Register for their first RFA webinar Tuesday, April 18.
NAAF Announces the 2023 Request for Applications Opening April 1
Read March 16, 2023 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
In this newsletter, NAAF announces its fifth year of grantmaking and is opening a pool of $11 million starting on April 1, 2023, and closing on June 1, 2023. All the details about the RFA and webinar registration can be found on the NAAF website. Contact grants@NativeAmericanAgricultureFund with questions.
One week away from the State of Native Agriculture Address
Read March 2, 2023 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
In this newsletter find out about the first virtual event of its kind highlighting the current state of Tribal agricultural economies and the leadership of the Native American producers and Tribes revitalizing our economies, feeding our people, and building our future for generations to come. To sign up visit our website.
WIC Community Innovation and Outreach Project Request for Applications
Read February 2, 2023 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
In this newsletter learn about WIC and their application for their community innovationn and outreach project.
Applications due March 23, 2023 at 11:59pm
REMINDER: NAAF Board of Trustees Position Closes January 20, 2023
Read January 19, 2023 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
In this newsletter apply for the Board of Trustees position due this Friday. Special emphasis is provided to applicants with a direct connection to the Keepseagle v. Vilsack class action that NAAF was derived from.
Board of Trustees Positions Open
Read January 5, 2023 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
Learn more about how you can support Native producers more by applying to be on our Board of Trustees. Applications will be taken through January 20, 2023. If you are selected to interview they will take place February 10-17, 2023, via zoom.
2022 Intertribal Agriculture Council Annual Conference
Read December 19, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
In this newsletter read about the NAAF sponsership of the 35th annual Intertribal Ag Council Conference. NAAF is proud to sponser this conference that was established to pursue and promote Native resources for the benefit of American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
New Internship Opportunity and USDA Debt Relief Tax Resource
Read November 23, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
Learn more about NAAF’s internship, watch the USDA Debt relief tax resource, and register for the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) annual conference.
Native Veteran Roundtable Tomorrow
Read November 3, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
In this newsletter register to attend an upcoming Listening Session on IRA discrimination provisions, a webinar for tax implications with the USDA debt relief for distressed farm loan borrowers, sign up for a Native veteran listening session, and register for the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) annual conference.
NAAF is also accepting internship applications for 2023.
NAAF 2023 Internship Available Now
Read October 20, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
Learn more about NAAF’s internship, the Native Veteran roundtable, and more on NAAFs partnership with the new WIC community innovation and outreach program.
Native Veteran Roundtable
Read October 5, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
In this issue, read about NAAF’s FINPACK+ Training created by the Center for Farm Financial Management, the Native Veteran roundtable, and read more on USDA grants.
49 New Projects Increase Access to Capital for Native Agriculture
Read September 23, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
Learn more about NAAF’s 2022 grant projects awarded and read the Native farm Bill coalitions recently released report, Gaining Ground, on 2023 Farm Bill priorities.
New Training Opportunity for Native Ag Lenders
Read August 23, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
Where you can apply for a NAAF sponsored FINPACK+ subscription with training, apply for a Native veteran travel scholarship, or read NAAF’s statement on the Inflation Reduction Act.
New Training Opportunity for Native Ag Lenders
Read August 9, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
In this issue, read about our new FINPACK+ Training created by the Center for Farm Financial Management, our new NAAF staff members, and read our Quarterly Market Report from our July webinar.
Report on Health Equity, Hunger, and Nutrition in Indian Country
Read July 26, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
In this email, read about the Native Farm Bill Coalition’s report from the White House listening sessions on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in Indian Country. Also read our new Market Report.
The Native American Agriculture Fund Announces 2022 Native Youth Grantees
Read July 5, 2022 issue of the NAAF Newsletter.
NAAF announces the 2022 Native youth grantees. NAAF awarded more than $900,000 dollars to 23 grantees serving Native youth across 81 Tribal Nations. Register for our Market report, July 21, 2022.
The Native American Agriculture Fund Joins Coalition for Natural Climate Solutions
Read June 21, 2022 issue of the NAAF Newsletter.
NAAF joins the U.S. Nature4Climate coalition of conservation, environmental, and sustainable business organizations collaborating on Natural Climate Solutions.
General Request For Applications Due June 1!
Read May 24, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
Are you signed up for the last 2022 Request for Applications webinar? Join us on May 26 at 2 pm – 4 pm CT. NAAF is also searching for an accounting/compliance associate (ACA) to join our team.
7 Days Left Until Youth Request For Applications Due!
Read May 10, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter. List of Eligible Entities to apply:
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- 501(c)(3)
- Educational Institutions
- Tribal Governments and Instrumentalities
- Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
$12 Million in Available Funding for Native Agriculture
Read April 26, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
NAAF strongly encourages applicants and interested partners to read the Trust Agreement here which sets specific requirements for our operations and grants. The Trust agreement lines out all of our eligible entities.
Native Ag Underwriting School
Read April 14, 2022 issue of the NAAF newsletter.
This fully funded three-day training will provide existing and future lenders in Indian Country the tools they need to start or expand their agricultural lending programs. Make sure to sign up for our RFA webinars to learn what you need to know to apply to our 2022 grants.