The Native Farm Bill Coalition (NFBC) is a nationwide initiative to lift up the voices of Native American producers and Tribal governments to advance a common policy agenda. It works to ensure that Indian Country’s priorities are acknowledged and included in the decision making process for the next Farm Bill, from farming and ranching to nutrition programs, rural development and forestry. The NFBC is a joint project of the Intertribal Agriculture Council, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, the National Congress of American Indians, and the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, its official research partner.

 

Since the Coalition’s launch in October 2017, more than 170 Tribes, Intertribal groups, other Native organizations, and non-Native allies have become members of the Native Farm Bill Coalition. Together, the members developed the Coalition’s priorities for the Farm Bill and kept Congress focused on Tribal concerns. Thanks to the Coalition’s research, education, and advocacy at the U.S. Capitol and across the country, the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law in December 2018 with 63 separate provisions that benefit Indian Country, an unprecedented degree of success. These 63 provisions impact everything from strengthening Tribal self-governance and the management of nutrition programs to investing in economic development opportunities.
 

After successfully helping to shape the 2018 Farm Bill, the Coalition has remained active and continues to advocate on behalf of Indian Country interests. This involves working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on its implementation of the new Tribal authorities and access under the Farm Bill. The Coalition continues to educate policymakers on Native nutritional and agricultural issues, assisting in oversight activities and urging Congress to further expand its recognition of Tribal self-determination authority.

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With the 2023 Farm Bill on the horizon, the Coalition will continue to advance Native policy priorities as Congress begins discussing the upcoming legislation.