U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR
AMERICAN
INDIANS &
ALASKA
NATIVES
2022
United States Department of Agriculture
Office of Tribal Relations
July 2022
2 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
CONTENTS
2 Preface ........................................................................................................................................ 5
3 Tribal Consultation ..................................................................................................................... 7
4 USDA Programs ......................................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Traditional Foods ...............................................................8
4.1.1 Agricultural Production .............................................................................................................. 8
4.1.2 OrganicAgricultureCertication ............................................................................................. 12
4.1.3 Agricultural Marketing & Processing ......................................................................................13
4.1.4 Sharing the Story: 2013 Colorado StrikeForce Meeting Draws a Crowd ................................ 16
4.1.5 Tools to Manage Agriculture Price Loss, Risk, and Liability ..................................................17
4.1.6 Access to Healthy Foods and Nutrition Literacy .....................................................................20
4.1.7 Sharing the Story: St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Opens the Diabetes Center
for Excellence ...........................................................................................................................24
4.1.8 Biofuels and Biobased Products ...............................................................................................24
4.1.9 Exporting and Importing Commodities ....................................................................................25
4.2 Business and Community Development ..................................................................................27
4.2.1 Business Development .............................................................................................................27
4.2.2 Government and Community Facilities ....................................................................................28
4.2.3 Telecommunications & Broadband ..........................................................................................28
4.2.4 Energy & Electricity .................................................................................................................29
4.2.5 Restoring Tribal Lands ............................................................................................................. 32
4.2.6 Housing .....................................................................................................................................32
4.2.7 Community Deveopment ..........................................................................................................35
4.2.8 Water & Waste Water ................................................................................................................36
4.2.9 Sharing the Story: Reliable Infrastructure Provded to the Pine Ridge Community ................38
4.3 Conservation and Forestry ........................................................................................................39
4.3.1 Conservation on Agricultural Lands .........................................................................................39
4.3.2 Sharing the Story: Indian Nations Conservation Alliance Success Story ................................41
4.3.3 Resources for Private and Tribally Owned Forest Lands .........................................................43
4.3.4 Sharing the Story: Forest Service Promotes Innovative Wood Economies
in Tribal Communities ..............................................................................................................45
4.3.5 Watershed and Water Protection Resources ............................................................................. 46
4.3.6 Regional Partnerships ...............................................................................................................47
4.4 Research, Education, and Extension .......................................................................................47
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 3
4.4.1 General Research and Education Resources ............................................................................48
4.4.2 1994 Land-Grant Tribal Colleges .............................................................................................48
4.4.3 USDA1994TribalLand-GrantCollegesandUniversitiesProgramOfce ............................48
4.4.4 USDA Research and Education Programs for Tribal Colleges ................................................ 49
4.4.5 Sharing the Story: USDA Helps Tribal Conservation District Support
Food Security for Alaska Natives .............................................................................................51
5 Appendixes ..............................................................................................................................55
5.1 USDA Organization Chart ........................................................................................................56
5.2 USDA Agencies ........................................................................................................................55
5.2.1 Agricultural Marketing Service ................................................................................................56
5.2.2 Agricultural Research Service ..................................................................................................56
5.2.3 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ............................................................................56
5.2.4 Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion ..............................................................................56
5.2.5 Economic Research Service .....................................................................................................57
5.2.6 Farm Service Agency ...............................................................................................................57
5.2.7 Food and Nutrition Service ......................................................................................................57
5.2.8 Food Safety and Inspection Service .........................................................................................58
5.2.9 Foreign Agricultural Service ....................................................................................................58
5.2.10 Forest Service ........................................................................................................................... 58
5.2.11 Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration ......................................................59
5.2.12 National Agricultural Statistics Service ....................................................................................59
5.2.13 National Institute of Food and Agriculture ...............................................................................59
5.2.14 Natural Resources Conservation Service .................................................................................59
5.2.15 Risk Management Agency ........................................................................................................59
5.2.16 Rural Development ...................................................................................................................60
5.3 USDADepartmentalStaffOfces ...........................................................................................60
5.3.1 OfceoftheSecretary(OSEC) ................................................................................................60
5.3.2 OfceofTribalRelations(OTR) .............................................................................................60
5.3.3 National Appeals Division ........................................................................................................60
5.3.4 OfceoftheAssistantSecretaryforCivilRights(OASCR) ................................................... 61
5.3.5 OfceofPartnershipsandPublicEngagement(OPPE) ...........................................................62
5.3.6 USDA1994TribalLand-GrantCollegesandUniversities(TCU)
ProgramOfce .........................................................................................................................63
5.3.7 USDAOfceofSmallandDisadvantagedBusinessUtilization(OSDBU) ............................63
5.3.7.1 Federal Contract Opportunities for Small and Amall Disadvantaged Businesses ...................63
5.3.7.2 Selling Agricultural Products to USDA ....................................................................................62
4 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
5.4 Other .........................................................................................................................................65
5.4.1 Forest Service Working With American Indians and Native Alaskans .................................... 65
5.4.2 Rural Development Working With American Indians and Alaska Natives .............................. 65
5.4.3 Extension and Technical Assistance ......................................................................................... 66
5.4.3.1 Federally Recognized Tribal Extension ....................................................................................67
5.4.3.2 1994Land-GrantTribalCollegesandUniversities(TCUS)Extension ...................................67
5.4.3.3 Intertribal Agricultural Council Technical Assistance Network ............................................... 67
5.4.3.4 SafeguardingNaturalHeritage(SNH) .....................................................................................67
5.4.4 Tribal Youth ..............................................................................................................................68
5.4.4.1 The USDA Tribal Youth Guide ................................................................................................ 68
5.4.4.2 Internship and Scholarship Opportunities for 1994 Land-Grant Tribal College and
University Students ..................................................................................................................68
5.4.5 Involvement in USDA Boards and Committees .......................................................................68
5.4.5.1 USDA Advisory Boards and Committees ................................................................................68
5.4.5.2 How To Submit a Nomination for Advisory Commitee Membership ......................................68
5.4.4.3 Farm Service Agency County Committees ..............................................................................69
5.4.4.4 Natural Resources Conservation Service: A Seat at the Table for Conservation Policy .......... 69
5.5 Applying for Federal Grants .....................................................................................................71
5.5.1 The Grants.gov Program Provides a Centralized Location for Grant
Seekers to Find and Apply for Federal Funding Opportunities ................................................71
5.6 Policies relevant to USDA and Tribal Nations .........................................................................72
5.6.1 Memorandums ..........................................................................................................................72
5.6.1.1 Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation. November 5, 2009 ...................................72
5.6.2 DepartmentalRegulations(DR) ............................................................................................... 72
5.6.2.1 USDA DR 1350-002 - Tribal Consultation, Coordination, and
Collaboration. January 18, 2013 ...............................................................................................72
5.6.3 ExecutiveOrders(E.O.) ...........................................................................................................72
5.6.3.1 E.O. 13007 - Indian Sacred Sites – Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation .............................................................................................................................. 72
5.6.3.2 E.O. 13175 - Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments. November 6, 2000 .............................................................................................72
5.6.3.3 E.O. 13592 - Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Educational
Opportunities and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities.
December 2, 2011 .....................................................................................................................72
5.6.3.4 E.O. 13647 - Establishing the White House Council on Native American
Affairs. June 26, 2013 ...............................................................................................................72
5.7 Additional Resources ................................................................................................................73
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 5
Preface
W
hen President Abraham Lincoln founded the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1862,
he called it “The People’s Department.” USDA staff across the country help promote
a sustainable, safe, abundant, and nutritious food supply. USDA also supports rural
communities by helping broaden economic opportunities. With the vast array of programs and services
USDA manages, we are staying true to President Lincoln’s vision of serving all people.
TheUSDAResourceGuideforAmericanIndiansandAlaskaNatives(AI/AN)wasdevelopedto
providetriballeadersandtribalcitizens,1994Land-GrantTribalCollegesandUniversities,AI/
ANbusinesses,andnon-governmentalorganizationsservingAI/ANcommunitieswithatoolfor
navigatingUSDAresources.TheUSDAprogramsandservicesavailabletomembersofAI/ANtribes
are described in the following pages. This guide provides readers with a comprehensive summary of
USDA Programs, separated into four categories:
1. Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Traditional Foods
2. Indian Country Economic Development
3. Conservation and Forestry
4. Research, Extension, and Outreach
The appendix provides additional information on the 17 agencies of USDA and highlights valuable
informationthatrelatestoIndianCountry.Inthissectionyouwillnd:
• USDA’sorganizationchartandalistofagencies,ofces,andcontactinformation.
• Information on USDA boards and committees and how to participate on them.
• Information on the Federal grant application process.
• Outreach and technical assistance for USDA programs.
• Information about the Federal and USDA policies that outline the Federal and Departmental
worksupportingAI/ANcommunities.Theseincludedepartmentalregulations,executiveorders,
and laws.
USDAiscommittedtoservingtribalgovernmentsandAI/ANindividualsbyworkingtoensure
thatrelevantprogramsandpoliciesareefcient,easytounderstand,accessible,anddevelopedin
consultationwiththeAI/ANconstituentstheyimpact.Thisguideisintendedtoencourageyouto
assess your community’s needs, collaborate with other community leaders, engage your local and state
USDA representatives, and apply for and participate in USDA programs in order to support Indian
Country.
Almost all USDA programs are accessible by tribes, tribal organizations, or tribal citizens. The
resources described in this guide are accurate up to this guide’s publication date, but are subject to
change.ThroughoutthisguidewehaveidentiedhowtogetintouchwithsomeoneatUSDAwhocan
answer your questions and steer you in the right direction.
IfyourequireanyadditionalassistancepleasecontacttheUSDAOfceofTribalRelations(OTR),
andwewillworkwithyoutogettheinformationyouneed.LocatedintheOfceoftheSecretary,
6 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
OTR was permanently established to facilitate your access to USDA and serves as a central point of
informationforbothexternalstakeholdersandUSDAagencies.Theofcecanbereachedat(202)
205-2249. OTR regularly publishes a newsletter that includes program funding opportunities, jobs, and
youth programs via email. To join the OTR listserv, please subscribe on the website at www.usda.gov/
tribalrelations. We hope that this guide will serve as a valuable resource that you will return to often
and that you will share with other leaders, organizations, and individuals in your community.
This Guide is available in .pdf online at https://www.usda.gov/tribalrelations
TheUSDAOfceofTribalRelations
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 7
Tribal Consultation
S
ince before its formation, the United States has recognized tribes as sovereign governments. A unique
legal relationship exists between Federally recognized tribes and the Federal Government which
evolved from this recognition of tribal sovereignty. This relationship is the basis of the “nation-to-na-
tion” consultation requirement. The treaties in which many tribes ceded lands to the United States in exchange
for protection and provisions for their tribal citizens were based on the premise of two sovereign governments
interacting on an equal basis, just as foreign governments negotiate and sign treaties with the United States
today. This relationship is incorporated in the Constitution and has been expressed through numerous treaties,
statutes, executive directives, and court decisions as well as political, legal, moral, and ethical principles.
Tribal consultation, as described by Executive Order 13175, is the timely, meaningful, and substantive dialogue
betweenFederalofcialswhohavedelegatedauthoritytoconsult,andtheofcialleadershipofFederally
recognizedAI/ANtribes,ortheirdesignatedrepresentative(s),pertainingtopoliciesthatmayhavetribal
implications.
OTR is the Tribal point of contact for Tribal requests for consultation.
8 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
USDA Programs
4.1 Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Traditional Foods
As stewards of the land, Native producers are in a unique position to speak on local agricultural traditions
and priorities. In this section, we provide you with an array of programs that support agricultural producers,
promote food sovereignty, and recognize that Native traditional foods as important to the health and well-
being of Native people.
4.1.1 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans
The Farm Service Agency makes and guarantees loans to beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to
obtainnancingfromcommerciallenders.Abeginningfarmerorrancherisanindividualorentitywho(1)has
notoperatedafarmorranchformorethan10years,(2)meetstheloaneligibilityrequirementsoftheprogram
towhichtheyareapplying,(3)substantiallyparticipatesintheoperation,and(4)forfarmownershiploan
purposes, does not own a farm greater than 30 percent of the median size farm in the county and meets training
and experience requirements.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/beginning-farmers-and-
ranchers-loans/
Direct Farm Operating Loans
FSA direct farm operating loans may be made to purchase items such as livestock, farm equipment, feed,
seed, fuel, farm chemicals, insurance, and other operating expenses. They can also be used to pay for minor
improvements to buildings, costs associated with land and water development, family subsistence, and
renancingdebtsundercertainconditions.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/farm-operating-loans/
index
Direct Farm Ownership Loans
FSA direct farm ownership loans may be made to purchase farmland, construct or repair buildings and other
xtures,andpromotesoilandwaterconservation.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/farm-ownership-loans/
index
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 9
Emergency Loans
Emergency Loans help farmers and ranchers who have suffered a loss caused by natural disasters that damaged
their farming or ranching operation. Emergency loan funds may be used to restore or replace essential property,
pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year, pay essential family living expenses,
reorganizethefarmingoperation,andrenancecertaindebts.Thecountyorcountieswherethefarmislocated
must be declared a disaster area by the President or designated by the Secretary of Agriculture. For production
loss loans, applicants must demonstrate a 30-percent loss in a single farming enterprise. Applicants may receive
loans up to 100 percent of production or physical losses. These loans are only available as direct loans from
FSA with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/
index
EZ Guarantee Loans
Emergency Loans help farmers and ranchers who have suffered a loss caused by natural disasters EZ Guarantee
Loansmaybeusedtopurchasefarmland,constructorrepairbuildingsandotherxtures,promotesoiland
waterconservation,renancedebtfromanothercreditor,purchaseequipment,purchaselivestock,andpayfor
otheroperatingneeds.FSA-guaranteedloansprovidelenders(banks,FarmCreditSysteminstitutions,credit
unions)withaguaranteeofupto95percentofthelossofprincipalandinterestonaloan.Farmersandranchers
apply to an agricultural lender, which then arranges for the guarantee. FSA developed the EZ Guarantee loan to
betterservetheuniquenancialneedsofnew,niche,family,underserved,orsmallfarmoperationsbyoffering
fasterandsimpliedapplicationandsubmissionrequirements.TheFSAguaranteepermitslenderstomake
agricultural credit available to farmers who do not meet the lender’s normal underwriting criteria. The EZ
Guarantee is available for loan applications up to $100,000.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/guaranteed-farm-loans/
index
Farm Storage Facility Loans
Farmstoragefacilityloansprovidelow-interestnancingforproducerstobuildorupgradefarmstorageand
handling facilities to store eligible commodities they produce, including cold storage facilities, bulk tanks, new
orusedhandlingandstorageequipment(portableorpermanentlyafxed),andstorageandhandlingtrucks.A
producer may borrow up to $500,000 per loan with a minimum down payment of 15 percent, and loan terms
are up to 12 years, depending on the amount of the loan. In addition, FSA provides a microloan option for
producerswhorequirenancingofupto$50,000withalow5percentdownpayment.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-storage/
10 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Guaranteed Farm Operating Loans
Guaranteed operating loans may be made to purchase items needed, such as livestock, farm equipment, feed,
seed, fuel, farm chemicals, repairs, insurance, and other operating expenses. FSA-guaranteed loans provide
lenders(banks,FarmCreditSysteminstitutions,creditunions)withaguaranteeofupto95 percent of the loss
of principal and interest on a loan. Farmers and ranchers apply to an agricultural lender, which then arranges for
the guarantee. The FSA guarantee permits lenders to make agricultural credit available to farmers who do not
meet the lender’s normal underwriting criteria.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/guaranteed-farm-loans/
index
Guaranteed Farm Ownership Loans
Guaranteed farm ownership loans may be made to purchase farmland, construct or repair buildings and other
xtures,developfarmlandtopromotesoilandwaterconservation,ortorenancedebt.FSA-guaranteedloans
providelenders(banks,FarmCreditSysteminstitutions,creditunions)withaguaranteeofupto95percentof
the loss of principal and interest on a loan. Farmers and ranchers apply to an agricultural lender, which then
arranges for the guarantee. The FSA guarantee permits lenders to make agricultural credit available to farmers
who do not meet the lender’s normal underwriting criteria. A percentage of guaranteed loan funds is targeted to
beginning farmers and ranchers and minority applicants.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://ofces.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/guaranteed-farm-loans/
index
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 11
Land Contract Guarantees
Guarantees are available for the owner of a farm who sells real estate through a land contract to a beginning or
targeted underserved farmer. The guarantee provides an incentive to sell to individuals in these targeted groups
asitreducesthenancialrisktothesellerintheeventofdefault.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://ofces.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/lc_guarantee_program.pdf
Microloans
Microloansareavailableforbothdirectfarmownershipanddirectoperatingloansandprovideexibleaccess
to credit for small farming operations, including specialty, niche, and local food producers. The Microloan
Programincludesasimpliedloanapplicationprocessandminimalpaperwork.Itprovidesadditionalexibility
incertainloaneligibilityrequirements,reducesdocumentationrequirements,andstreamlinesnancial
planning for small operations. Producers can receive both a $50,000 Farm Ownership Microloan and a $50,000
Operating Microloan. Producers are no longer limited to a combined $50,000 for both microloans.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/microloans/
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
The overall goal of the this program is to assist socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers in
owning and operating farms and ranches while increasing their participation in agricultural programs and
servicesprovidedbyUSDA.Thisprogramwillassisteligiblecommunity-basedandnon-protorganizations,
higher education institutions, and tribal entities in providing outreach and technical assistance to socially
disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers.
Agency: OfceofPartnershipsandPublicEngagement(OPPE)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Contact: Kenya Nicholas, Program Director, kenya.nicholas@osec.usda.gov, (202)720-6350
Website: https://www.outreach.usda.gov/sdfr/
Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program
TheAnimalandPlantHealthInspectionService(APHIS)ischargedwithimplementingPlantProtectionAct
(PPA)Section7721,thePlantPestandDiseaseManagementandDisasterPreventionProgram,topreventthe
introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture and the environment. Under
PPA Section 7721, APHIS provides funding to strengthen the Nation’s infrastructure for pest detection and
surveillance,identication,andthreatmitigation,whileworkingtosafeguardthenurseryproductionsystem.
Agency: AnimalandPlantHealthInspectionService(APHIS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Contact: APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine, PPA-Projects@usda.gov
Website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/ppa-ppdmdpp
12 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and
Ranchers
The Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and
Ranchers(RTCP)reimbursesgeographicallydisadvantagedproducerswithaportionofthecosttotransport
agricultural commodities or inputs used to produce an agricultural commodity.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/RTCP-Program/
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
The purpose of the SCBGP is to enhance the sale, consumption, access, diversity, food safety, conservation,
and/orproductionofspecialtycrops.Specialtycropsaredenedasfruits,vegetables,treenuts,driedfruits,
horticulture,andnurserycrops(includingoriculture).
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities. Interested
applicants must apply through their State Department of Agriculture for funding.
Contact: SCBGP Program Manager, john.miklozek@usda.gov,(202)720-1403
Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp
Youth Loans
FSA makes loans to individual rural youth, between the ages of 10 and 20 years, to establish and operate
agriculture-related income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H
clubs, the Future Farmers of America, Tribal Youth Organizations and similar organizations. The project
mustbeplannedandoperatedwiththehelpoftheorganizationadviser,producesufcientincometorepaythe
loan, and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience. The maximum loan amount is
$5,000, and the repayment term is 1 to 7 years. In certain cases, FSA may require a co-signer for a youth loan.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens between 10 and 20 years old.
Key Dates: Program signups vary. Loan applications are always available.
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://ofces.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=paca&topic=you
4.1.2 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE CERTIFICATION
Twoorganiccerticationcostshareprogramsareofferedtoassistcertiedorganicoperationsindefrayingthe
costsassociatedwithorganiccertication.
AgriculturalManagementAssistance(AMA)andOrganicCerticationCostShareProgram(OCCSP)
TheAMAProgramisavailabletocertiedorganicproducersin16statesdesignatedbyCongress.Organic
operationsmayreceiveupto75percentoftheircerticationcostspaid;nottoexceed$750percertication
scope. Payments are distributed to producers by eligible State agencies.
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service
Eligibility: Organic producers in 16 states designated by Congress which include: Connecticut, Delaware,
Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/occsp
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 13
National Organic Certication Cost Share Program (NOCCSP)
The NOCCSP is available to organic producers and handlers. Organic operations may receive up to
75 percentoftheircerticationcostspaid;nottoexceed$750percerticationscope.Paymentsare
distributed to producers by eligible State agencies.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/occsp
4.1.3 AGRICULTURAL MARKETING & PROCESSING
Acer Access and Development Program (Acer)
TheAcerAccessandDevelopmentProgram(Acer)offersgrantstosupporttheeffortsofStates,tribal
governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry. Supported activities
include: promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production; promotion of natural
resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry; market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap
products; encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the
genus Acer to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or to voluntarily make the land
available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities.
Eligibility: All applicants must be located within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia,
American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to be considered eligible.
Entities that are eligible to apply include:
• States
• Tribal Governments
• Research Institutions
Contact: MartinRosier(martin.rosier@usda.gov)
Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP)
TheSheepProductionandMarketingGrantProgram(SPMGP)strengthensandenhancesthe
production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States including the improvement
of infrastructure business, resource development and the development of innovative approaches to solve
long-term needs.
Eligibility:In2019,USDAselectedtheNationalSheepIndustryImprovementCenter(NSIIC)to
competitively award funds to public, private, or cooperative organizations; associations, including
corporationsnotoperatedforprot;FederallyrecognizedIndianTribes;orpublicorquasi-public
agencies that focus on the betterment of the U.S. sheep industry.
Agency: AgriculturalMarketingService(AMS)
Contact: Organizations or individuals interested in applying for funding or learning about funded
projects should visit www.nsiic.org.
Website: www.ams.usda.gov/spmgporwww.nsiic.org
Website: www.ams.usda.gov/acer
14 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP)
ThepurposeoftheFarmersMarketPromotionProgram(FMPP)istoincreasedomesticconsumptionof,and
access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for
farm and ranch operations serving local markets by developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach,
training, and technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of, domestic
farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other
direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.
Agency: AgriculturalMarketingService(AMS)
Eligibility: All applicants under FMPP must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the
50 United States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to be
considered eligible. Entities that are eligible to apply include:
• Agricultural businesses
• Agricultural cooperatives
•CommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)networks
• CSA associations
• Economic development corporations
• Local governments
•Nonprotcorporations
• Producer networks
• Producer associations
•Publicbenetcorporations
• Regional farmers’ market authorities
• Tribal governments
Contact: Dewell Paez-Delgado (dewell.paez-delgado@usda.gov)
Website: www.ams.usda.gov/fmpp
Federal State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMP)
TheFederal-StateMarketingImprovementProgram(FSMIP)providesmatchingfundstoStateDepartmentsof
Agriculture, State agricultural experiment stations, and other appropriate State agencies to assist in exploring
new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products, and to encourage research and innovation
aimedatimprovingtheefciencyandperformanceofthemarketingsystem.
Agency: AgriculturalMarketingService(AMS)
Eligibility: All applicants must be located within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, American
Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to be considered eligible.
Tribalentitiesmustbetribalcollegesanduniversities(onlyLand-Grantinstitutions).
Contact: Martin Rosier (mar[email protected]ov)
Website: www.ams.usda.gov/fsmip
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 15
Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP)
TheLocalFoodPromotionProgram(LFPP)offersgrantfundswitha25-percentmatchtosupportthe
development and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises to increase domestic consumption of,
and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities
for farm and ranch operations serving local markets. Two types of project applications are accepted under
LFPP—planning grants and implementation grants. Applicants can apply for either but will receive only one
type of grant in the same grant cycle.
• LFPP Planning Grants are used in the planning stages of establishing or expanding a local and regional
food business enterprise. Activities can include but are not limited to market research, feasibility studies, and
business planning.
• LFPP Implementation Grants are used to establish a new local and regional food business enterprise, or to
improve or expand an existing local or regional food business enterprise. Activities can include but are not
limitedtotrainingandtechnicalassistanceforthebusinessenterpriseand/orforproducersworkingwiththe
business enterprise; outreach and marketing to buyers and consumers; and non-construction infrastructure
improvements to business enterprise facilities or information technology systems.
Agency: AgriculturalMarketingService(AMS)
Eligibility: Eligible entities may apply if they support local and regional food business enterprises that
process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products. Such entities
may include:
• Agricultural businesses and cooperatives
• Producer networks and associations
• Community supported agriculture networks and associations
•Otheragriculturalbusinessentities(for-protgroups)
•Nonprotandpublicbenetcorporations
• Economic development corporations
• Regional farmers’ market authorities
• Local and tribal governments
Contact: Dewell Paez-Delgado (dewell.paez-delgado@usda.gov)
Website: www.ams.usda.gov/lfpp
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Small and Very Small Plant Outreach
SmallandveysmallplantownersandoperatorscanndinformationaboutFSISpolicies,technicalassistance,
and answers to common questions from small processors across the country.
Agency: FoodSafetyandInspectionService(FSIS)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations with fewer than 500 employees
Contact: FSISSmallPlantHelpDesk:1-877-FSISHELP(1-877-374-7435),
InfoSource@fsis.usda.gov.
Website: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/regulatory-compliance/svsp
Value Added Producer Grant Program
The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing
and/ormarketingofbio-based,value-addedproductsinordertogeneratenewproducts,createandexpand
marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants
16 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
4.1.4 MAKERS OF HISTORY
By Alexandra Tarrant, Food Safety and Inspection Service
It started as a conversation, then became a plan, and now the Quapaw Food Service Authority just celebrated its
4-year anniversary. Back in 2016, members of the Quapaw Tribe approached USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection
Service(FSIS)withtheirintenttobuildaslaughterplantonOklahomatriballandstoslaughternatives’animals,
service the local area, and teach young adults life skills like butchering. A slaughter facility on tribal lands
didn’texistatthetime,butitwascertainlypossible.AsmalldelegationvisitedtheFSISDallasDistrictOfcein
September 2016. They brought blueprints and pictures, and met with the Dallas District Manager, Dr. Jennifer
McKean. “They just wanted to meet us and get to know us. It was about a two-hour meeting,” recalls McKean.
With the help of some grant money, including from USDA, the 25,000-square-foot facility was underway. On
Aug.31,2017,FSISconductedanalwalk-throughofthefacility,andrecommendedapprovaloftheGrantof
Inspection.OnSept.6,theQuapawFoodServiceAuthorityslaughtereditsrstanimal,vefeedlotsteerstobe
exact, over the course of 15 hours! Since its grand opening on Sept. 7, 2017, it has come a long way. “They have
made continuous and steady progress since then,” says the FSIS Inspector-In-Charge there, Dr. Roger Garner.
“It’salearningprocess.Theyarefasterandmoreefcientnow.Federalinspectionisnothard.Therearejusta
multitude of small steps that you have to go through to be in compliance,” says Garner. With that said, no special
considerationisgivenbecausetheplantisonsovereignterritory,orbecauseitistherstofitskind.“Therules
are the rules,” says Garner. McKean agrees, “We didn’t give any special treatment. The plant is very compliant.
They really want to do the right thing.”
Although the facility is quite large, it is considered a very small plant by FSIS standards due to the number of
employees and product volume. However, the size assists in serving as a teaching tool. “This is the only plant
I’ve ever been in, and I’ve been in a lot, that has an access hall the length of the plant with large observation
windowstothekilloor,cutroom,processingroomandpackagingroom,”saysGarner.BeforetheCOVID-19
pandemic, the facility was hosting weekly tours for students, FFA chapters, industry, and other tribes showing
everything from processing to retail. They have also hosted student interns, who work under supervision to get a
sense of the job. Despite a hopefully temporary halt in tours, business is booming. “Since the pandemic, customer
orders for small and very small plants has skyrocketed,” says Garner. “We are working as much as we can work.”
The plant management hopes that those student interns or students who toured the facility will soon become
graduates with interest in becoming Quapaw Food Service Authority employees someday.
From 2012 to 2016, USDA Rural Development funded 17 Value Added Producer Grants, totaling over
$1.4 million, to tribes, tribal producers, and tribal entities across the country. These funds have been used to
strengthen tribal agriculture economies and expand market access for tribal products. The Cherokee Nation of
Oklahoma, for example, received $75,000 to determine the feasibility of developing an Identity Preservation
program,anon-GMOseedcerticationprogram,aswellasmarketinganddevelopmentfortheCherokeeFood
brand.
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 17
4.1.5 TOOLS TO MANAGE AGRICULTURE PRICE LOSS, RISK, AND LIABILITY
Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs
TheAgricultureRiskCoverage(ARC)andPriceLossCoverage(PLC)programswereauthorizedbythe
2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. This program provides revenue and price loss payments to eligible producers.
Ownersmustone-timeelecttoselectthetypeofcoverage(ARCorPLC)foreachofthecoveredcommodities.
Producers of covered commodities are eligible. Covered commodities include wheat, oats, barley, corn, grain
sorghum,rice,soybeans,sunowerseed,rapeseed,canola,safower,axseed,mustardseed,crambeand
sesame seed, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/arcplc_program/index
Crop Insurance Program
The Federal Crop Insurance Program provides multi-peril crop insurance to America’s farmers and ranchers to
protect them against adverse weather events, natural disasters, or falling prices.
Agency: RiskManagementAgency(RMA)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Key Dates: Deadlines to purchase crop insurance varies by each crop. Spring-planted crops typically have a
March closing date, while fall-planted crops typically have a September closing date.
Contact: RMA’sRegionalOfces,http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/elds/rsos.html
Website: www.rma.usda.gov/fcic/
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, Farm-Raised Fish Program
TheEmergencyAssistanceforLivestock,HoneybeesandFarm-RaisedFishProgram(ELAP)providesnancial
assistancetoeligibleproducersoflivestock,honeybees,andfarm-raisedshforlossesduetodisease,certain
adverseweathereventsorlossconditions,includingblizzardsandwildres,asdeterminedbytheSecretary.
ELAP assistance is provided to producers for losses not covered by other disaster assistance programs, such as
theLivestockForageDisasterProgram(LFP)andtheLivestockIndemnityProgram(LIP).
Agency: FarmServiceagency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-
for-livestock-honey-bees-sh/index
Livestock Forage Disaster Program
TheLivestockForageDisasterProgram(LFP)providescompensationtoeligiblelivestockproducerswhohave
suffered grazing losses for covered livestock on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent
vegetativecoverorisplantedspecicallyforgrazing.Thegrazinglossesmustbeduetoaqualifyingdrought
condition during the normal grazing period for the county.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://ofces.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/livestock-forage/
index
18 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Livestock Indemnity Program
TheLivestockIndemnityProgramprovidesbenetstolivestockproducersforlivestockdeathsinexcessof
normal mortality caused by eligible loss conditions, including eligible adverse weather, eligible disease, and
eligibleattacks(attacksbyanimalsreintroducedintothewildbytheFederalGovernmentorprotectedby
Federallaw,includingwolvesandavianpredators).TobeeligibleforLIP,alivestockproducermusthavelegally
owned the eligible livestock on the day the livestock died. Eligible livestock include cattle, poultry, swine,
sheep, goats, and other several other types of livestock.
Agency: FarmServiceagency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/livestock-
indemnity/index
Margin Protection Program for Dairy
TheMarginProtectionProgramforDairy(MPP-Dairy)isavoluntaryriskmanagementprogramfordairy
producers currently authorized through December 31, 2018. MPP-Dairy offers protection to dairy producers
whenthedifferencebetweentheallmilkpriceandtheaveragefeedcost(themargin)fallsbelowacertain
dollaramountselectedbytheproducer.MPP-Dairyoffersdairyproducers:(1)catastrophiccoverage,atnocost
totheproducer,otherthananannual$100administrativefee;and(2)variouslevelsofbuy-upcoverageforan
additional premium charge.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/Dairy-MPP/index
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 19
Nonrecourse Marketing Assistance Loans and Loan Deciency Payment
NonrecourseMarketingAssistanceLoans(MALs)provideproducersinterimnancingatharvesttimeto
helpthemmeetcashowneedswhenmarketpricesaretypicallyatharvest-timelows.MALsforcovered
commodities are nonrecourse because the commodity is pledged as loan collateral and producers have the
optionofdeliveringthepledgedcollateraltotheCommodityCreditCorporation(CCC)asfullpaymentforthe
loan at maturity. A producer who is eligible to obtain a loan, but who agrees to forgo the loan, may obtain a loan
deciencypayment(LDP).AnLDPistheamountbywhichtheapplicableloanrateexceedsthealternativeloan
repayment rate for the respective commodity.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/commodity-loans/non-recourse-
loans/index
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
TheNoninsuredCropDisasterAssistanceProgram(NAP)providesnancialassistancetoproducersof
noninsurable crops to protect against natural disasters that result in lower yields or crop losses, or prevents crop
planting. NAP provides basic coverage equivalent to the catastrophic-level risk protection plan of insurance
coverage, which is based on the amount of loss that exceeds 50 percent of expected production at 55 percent
of the average market price for the crop. NAP provides basic coverage equivalent to the catastrophic level risk
protection plan of insurance coverage, which is based on the amount of loss that exceeds 50 percent of expected
production at 55 percent of the average market price for the crop. The 2018 Farm Bill re-authorizes higher levels
of coverage ranging from 50 to 65 percent of production, in 5 percent increments, at 100 percent of the average
market price.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/noninsured-crop-
disaster-assistance/
Risk Management Education Partnership Program
Thegoalofthisprogramistoensurethatproducerswillbebetterabletousenancialmanagement,farm
nancialbenchmarking,cropinsurance,marketingcontracts,andotherexistingandemergingriskmanagement
tools. This program strives to ensure that producers are well informed of the risk management solutions available
to them. The Risk Management Education Partnership Program provides funding for risk management training
and informational efforts for agricultural producers through the formation of partnerships with public and private
organizations.
Agency: RiskManagementAgency(RMA)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Contact: Risk Management Education Division, rma.risk-ed@rma.usda.gov,(202)720-1416
Website: http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements/
Tree Assistance Program
TheTreeAssistanceProgram(TAP)isapermanentdisasterprogramthatprovidesnancialassistanceto
qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines
damaged by natural disasters.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Key Dates: Program signups vary. Loan applications are always available.
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/tree-assistance-
program/index
20 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
4.1.6 ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS AND NUTRITION LITERACY
Child and Adult Care Food Program
TheChildandAdultCareFoodProgram(CACFP)playsavitalroleinimprovingthequalityofdaycareby
making it more affordable for low-income providers and by encouraging homes and centers to serve nutritious
meals to eligible children attending daycare. Children receive nutritious meals and snacks for which providers
receive reimbursements through CACFP. The program also provides meals and snacks to adults who receive
care in nonresidential adult daycare centers. CACFP reaches even further to provide meals to children
residing in homeless shelters, as well as snacks and suppers to youths participating in eligible after-school care
programs.
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens, Tribal Organizations
Contact: StateAdministrativeOfces,https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/cacfp-contacts
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts
ChooseMyPlate.gov
The ChooseMyPlate.gov Website provides information for consumers as well as message multipliers on healthy
eating and physical activity. MyPlate teaches the 5 food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and
dairy. Consumers are encouraged to visit the ChooseMyPlate.gov website for resources including the MyPlate
Plan, tip sheets and infographics, testimonial videos with real families, eating on a budget, interactive tools,
quizzes, and the ability to submit tips and testimonials.
Agency: CenterforNutritionPolicyandPromotion(CNPP)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens
Contact: Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, 703-305-7600
Website: https://www.ChooseMyPlate.gov/
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
TheCommoditySupplementalFoodProgram(CSFP)workstoimprovethehealthoflow-incomeelderly
persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious foods purchased by USDA and
distributedbyStateagenciesandIndianTribalOrganizations(ITOs)directlytoparticipantsand/ortolocal
health, social services, education, or agriculture organizations.
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Tribal Elders at least 60 years of age
Contact: StateFoodDistributionOfces,https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts?f%5B0%5D=program%3A26
Website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/commodity-supplemental-food-program-csfp
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 21
Community Foods Projects
CommunityFoodProjects(CFP)tendstofundthreetypesofgrants.Thetypesareentitled(1)CFP,(2)
PlanningProjects(PP)and(3)TrainingandTechnicalAssistance(T&TA)Projects.Theprimarygoalsofthe
CFP are to:
• Meet the food needs of low-income individuals through food distribution, community outreach to
assist in participation in Federally assisted nutrition programs, or improving access to food as part of a
comprehensive service;
• Increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for the food needs of the communities;
• Promote comprehensive responses to local food access, farm, and nutrition issues; and
• Meetspecicstate,local,orneighborhoodfoodandagriculturalneedsincludingneedsrelatingto:
· Equipmentnecessaryfortheefcientoperationofaproject;and
· Planning for long-term solutions; or the creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually
benetagriculturalproducersandlow-incomeconsumers.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations
Contact: Dr. Jane Clary Loveless, jane.clary@usda.gov
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/community-food-projects-cfp-competitive-grants-
program
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
TheFoodDistributionProgramonIndianReservations(FDPIR)providesUSDAFoodstoincome-eligible
households living on Indian reservations and households living in approved areas near reservations or in
Oklahoma that contain at least one person who is a member of a Federally recognized Tribe. Many Tribal
householdsparticipateinFDPIRasanalternativetotheSupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP)
becausetheydonothaveeasyorreliableaccesstoSNAPofcesorauthorizedretailfoodstores.
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Income-eligible Tribal Citizens that reside on a reservation, on designated areas near
reservations, or in Oklahoma
Contact: FNS, 703-305-2062
Website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdpir/food-distribution-program-indian-reservations-fdpir
National School Lunch Program
UndertheNationalSchoolLunchProgram(NSLP),participatingschooldistrictsandindependentschoolsand
residential child care institutions receive cash reimbursements and donated commodities from USDA for each
meal they serve. In return, they must serve lunches that meet Federal requirements, and they must offer free or
reduced-price lunches to eligible low-income children. School districts can also be reimbursed for snacks served
to children through age 18 in after-school educational or enrichment programs.
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Income-eligible Tribal Citizens and the Tribal Organizations that serve them may receive
assistance through State Agencies. At the State level, the National School Lunch Program
is usually administered by State education agencies, which operate the program through
agreements with school food authorities.
Contact: Local School Meals Contacts, https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts
Website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/national-school-lunch-program-nslp
22 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Ofce of Community Food Systems (including Farm to School Program, Farm to Summer and Farm to
CACFP Programs)
TheOfceofCommunityFoodSystems(OCFS)helpschildnutritionprogramoperatorsincorporatelocal
foodsintheNationalSchoolLunchProgram(https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp)anditsassociatedprograms,as
wellastheSummerFoodServiceProgram(https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program)and
ChildandAdultCareFoodProgram(https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/child-and-adult-care-food-program).In
addition, OCFS staff works with Tribal communities to respond to their desire to better incorporate traditional
foodsintoourmealprograms.OCFSaccomplishesthisthroughgrantmaking(https://www.fns.usda.gov/cfs/
farm-school-grant-program),trainingandtechnicalassistance(https://www.fns.usda.gov/cfs/procuring-local-
foods)andresearch(https://farmtoschoolcensus.fns.usda.gov/).
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Tribes
Contact: StateFoodDistributionOfces,https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts?f%5B0%5D=program%3A27
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cfs
https://www.fns.usda.gov/cfs/usda-farm-school-grant-program-facts
School Breakfast Program
TheSchoolBreakfastProgram(SBP)operatesinthesamemannerastheNSLP.Schooldistrictsand
independent schools that choose to take part in the breakfast program receive cash reimbursement from USDA
for each meal they serve. In return, they must serve breakfasts that meet Federal requirements, and they must
offer free or reduced-price breakfasts to eligible children.
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens and Tribal Organizations may receive assistance through State Agencies
Contact: Local School Meals Contacts, https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts
Website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/sbp/school-breakfast-program-sbp
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
TheSeniorFarmers’MarketProgram(SFMNP)awardsgrantstoStates,U.S.Territories,andFederally
recognized Tribal governments to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh,
nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey at farmers’ markets, roadside stands,
andcommunity-supportedagriculture(CSA)programs.Currently,54Stateagencies,includingIndianTribal
Organizations and U.S. Territories, administer SFMNP.
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Low-income Tribal citizens
Contact: Local SFMNP Contacts: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/sfmnp-contacts
Website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program-sfmnp
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
TheSpecialSupplementalNutritionProgramforWomen,Infants,andChildren(WIC)servestosafeguardthe
healthoflow-incomepregnant,breastfeeding,andpostpartumwomen,infants,andchildrenuptoagevewho
are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement their diets, nutrition education, and referrals
to health and other social services at no cost. Participants must meet income guidelines, a State residency
requirement, and must be individually determined to be at “nutritional risk” by a health professional.
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Income-eligible women, infants, and children at nutritional risk
Contacts: LocalWICAgencyOfces,https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-contacts
Website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/women-infants-and-children-wic
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 23
Summer Food Service Program
TheSummerFoodServiceProgram(SFSP)providesfree,nutritiousmealsandsnackstohelpchildreninlow-
income areas get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow during school vacations. Children who are
age 18 and under, and people over age 18 who are determined by a State educational agency to have a mental
or physical disability, may receive meals through the SFSP when school is out. SFSP meals are accessible to
children through local sponsors who provide meals at feeding sites such as schools, community centers, parks,
churches, pools, housing projects, playgrounds, migrant centers, or Indian reservations.
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations; Tribal Schools
Contact: LocalSummerFoodServiceProgramOfce,https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts
Website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
TheSupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP)provideslow-incomehouseholdswithbenetsonan
electronic debit card that they can use to purchase healthy foods at most grocery stores.SNAP provides crucial
nutritionassistancetoneedyhouseholdsandtothosemovingforwardtoself-sufciency.SNAPparticipants
may also receive nutrition education or employment training services. Household may not participate in SNAP
and FDPIR at the same time.
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Low Income Tribal Citizens; For detailed eligibility requirements, please visit https://www.fns.
usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
Contact: LocalSNAPOfce,https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
The Emergency Food Assistance Program
TheEmergencyFoodAssistanceProgram(TEFAP)isaFederalprogramthathelpssupplementthedietsof
low-incomeAmericansbyprovidingthemwithemergencyfoodassistanceatnocost.USDAprovides100%
American-grown USDA Foods and administrative funds to states to operate TEFAP. Indian Tribal Organizations
that provide food assistance to needy persons are eligible to enter into agreements with State agencies to service
as TEFAP eligible recipient agencies.
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Low-income Tribal Citizens
Contact: StateFoodDistributionOfces,https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts?f%5B0%5D=program%3A27
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program
What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl
Pleasenote,theWhat’sCooking?USDAMixingBowlrecipewebsiteismovingtotheChooseMyPlate.gov
website this fall. The recipe website will get a new look and name—MyPlate Kitchen. The website will feature
the same great recipes and resources from CNPP and SNAP that support building healthy and budget-friendly
meals.
MyPlate Kitchen will be available early October 2019.
Agency: CenterforNutritionPolicyandPromotion(CNPP)
Contact: CenterforNutritionPolicyandPromotion,(703)305-7600
Website: https://www.whatscooking.fns.usda.gov/
24 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program awards grants to States, U.S. Territories, and Federally
recognized Tribal governments to provide WIC participants with checks or coupons that can be exchanged
for fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, herbs, and vegetables at farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
Currently, 49 State agencies, including Indian Tribal Organizations and U.S. Territories, administer the
FMNP. .
Agency: FoodandNutritionService(FNS)
Eligibility: Currently, 45 State agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations administer the FMNP. A full list
of states and tribes administering WIC Farmers Markets is available at http://www.fns.usda.
gov/fmnp/fmnp-contacts.
Contact: FNS, 703-305-2062
Website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fmnp/wic-farmers-market-nutrition-program-fmnp
4.1.7 SHARING THE STORY: PROGRAM RECEIVES GOLD AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN
BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION AND SUPPORT:
TheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture,FoodandNutritionService(FNS),SpecialSupplementalNutrition
ProgramforWomen,InfantsandChildren(WIC)WICProgramaimstosafeguardthehealthoflow-
incomewomen,infants,andchildrenuptoagevewhoareatnutritionriskbyprovidingnutritiousfoodsto
supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.
Breastfeedingisconsideredthehealthiestnutritionoptionformostinfantsandabenetforpost-partum
women and is a priority of the WIC Program. To encourage breastfeeding, the WIC Program provides
breastfeeding promotion and support for pregnant and postpartum mothers as a part of its mission.
Each year FNS recognizes exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support efforts of local WIC agencies
under the Loving Support Award of Excellence program. The intent is to provide models and motivate other
local agencies to strengthen their breastfeeding promotion and support activities. The Loving Support Award
of Excellence is given at three levels of performance that build on one another: Gold, Premiere, and Elite. In
scalyear2020therewereatotalof99GoldAwardsand12PremiereAwardsawardedacrosstheNation.
OnAugust1,2020,theStandingRockSiouxTribe(SRST)WICProgram,locatedinFortYates,North
Dakota,wasoneofthree(3)IndianTribesacrosstheNationhonoredwithaGoldLovingSupportAward
ofExcellencefortheirBreastfeedingPeerCounseling(BFPC)Program.TheSRSTBFPCProgramworks
closely with Indian Health Service, Healthy Start, Tribal Health and other Tribal and community programs in
an effort to promote and support breastfeeding efforts of new moms in their service area.
4.1.8 BIOFUELS AND BIOBASED PRODUCTS
Biomass Crop Assistance Program
TheBiomassCropAssistanceProgram(BCAP)isavoluntaryprogramforagriculturalandforestlandowners
and operators. BCAP supports the production and use of biomass crops for conversion to bioenergy or for the
developmentofbio-basedproducts.BCAPprovidesassistanceinthreeways:(1)Establishmentpaymentsfor
growingnewbiomasscrops;(2)Maintancepaymentstomaintainthenewbiomasscropasitmaturesuntil
harvest;and(3)Retrievalmatchingpaymentstohelpwiththecostofsustainablyharvestingandtransporting
agriculturalorforestresiduestoanenergyfacility(biomassconversionfacility).
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/energy-programs
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 25
4.1.9 EXPORTING AND IMPORTING COMMODITIES
Export Credit Guarantee Program
The Export Credit Guarantee Programprovidescreditguaranteestoencouragenancingofcommercial
exportsofU.S.agriculturalproducts.Byreducingnancialrisktolenders,creditguaranteesencourageexports
to buyers in countries—mainlydevelopingcountries—thathavesufcientnancialstrengthtohaveforeign
exchange available for scheduled payments.
Agency: ForeignAgriculturalService(FAS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: Credit Programs Division, registrations@fas.usda.gov,(202)720-6211
Website: http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/export-credit-guarantee-program-gsm-102
Emerging Markets Program (EMP)
TheEmergingMarketsProgram(EMP)providescost-sharefundingforU.S.organizationstopromoteexports
of U.S. agricultural products to countries that have—or are developing—market-oriented economies and that
have the potential to be viable commercial markets. Examples of approved technical assistance activities
include feasibility studies, market research, sectorial assessments, orientation visits, specialized training, and
business workshops.
Agency: ForeignAgriculturalService(FAS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: OfceofTradePrograms, podadmin@fas.usda.gov
Website: https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/emerging-markets-program-emp
26 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Facility Guarantee Program
The Facility Guarantee Program is designed to boost sales of U.S. agricultural products in countries where
demand may be limited due to inadequate storage, processing, handling, or distribution capabilities. The
programprovidescreditguaranteestohelpnancemanufacturedgoodsandU.S.servicesthatimproveor
establish agriculture-related facilities in emerging markets.
Agency: ForeignAgriculturalService(FAS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: Credit Programs Division, gsm.registrations@fas.usda.gov,(202)720-6211
Website: http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/facility-guarantee-program
Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program
Also known as the Cooperator Program, the Foreign Market Development Program helps create, expand, and
maintain long-term export markets for U.S. agricultural products. FAS partners with U.S. agricultural producers
andprocessors,whoarerepresentedbynon-protcommodityortradeassociationscalled“cooperators,”to1)
reduceforeignimportconstraints,or2)expandexportgrowthopportunities.
Agency: ForeignAgriculturalService(FAS)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations
Contact: OfceofTradePrograms,podadmin@fas.usda.gov
Website: https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/foreign-market-development-program-fmd
Market Access Program (MAP)
TheMarketAccessProgram(MAP)promotesoverseasmarketingandpromotionalactivitiesthathelpbuild
commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural products and commodities.
Agency: ForeignAgriculturalService(FAS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: OfceofTradePrograms,podadmin@fas.usda.gov,(202)720-4327
Website: http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/market-access-program-map
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 27
Quality Samples Program (QSP)
The Quality Samples Program enables potential customers around the world to discover the quality and
benetsofU.S.agriculturalproducts.Theprogramfocusesonprocessorsandmanufacturersratherthan
consumers,andQSPprojectsshouldbenetanentireindustryorcommodityratherthanaspeciccompanyor
product. Projects should focus on developing a new market or promoting a new use for the U.S. product
Agency: ForeignAgriculturalService(FAS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: OfceofTradePrograms,podadmin@fas.usda.gov,(202)720-4327
Website: https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/quality-samples-program-qsp
4.2 Indian Country Economic Development
USDAoffersasuiteofprogramsdesignedtoprovidenancialbackingandtechnicalassistancetostimulate
business creation and growth in rural communities. The programs work through partnerships with public and
privatecommunity-basedorganizationsandnancialinstitutionstoprovidenancialassistance,business
development, and technical assistance to rural and Tribal businesses. These programs help to provide capital,
equipment,space,jobtraining,andentrepreneurialskillsthatcanhelptostartand/orgrowabusiness.These
programs also support the creation and preservation of quality jobs in tribal areas.
4.2.1 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program
This program bolsters the existing private credit structure through the guaranteeing of loans for rural businesses,
allowing private lenders to extend more credit than they would typically be able to.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Intermediary Relending Program
Provides1%low-interestloanstolocalintermediariesthatre-lendtobusinessesandforcommunity
development projects in rural communities.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce;http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/intermediary-relending-program
Small Business Innovation Research Program - SBIR
Fundsmaybeawardedupto$100,000foraPhaseIproject.ProposedPhaseIprojectsshouldprovethescientic
or technical feasibility of the approach or concept. Projects dealing with agriculturally related manufacturing and
alternativeandrenewableenergytechnologiesareencouragedacrossallSBIRtopicareas.USDASBIR’sexible
research areas ensure innovative projects consistent with USDA’s vision of a healthy and productive Nation in
harmony with the land, air, and water. USDA’s SBIR Program has awarded over 2,000 research and development
projects since 1983, allowing hundreds of small businesses to explore their technological potential, and providing
anincentivetoprotfromthecommercializationofinnovativeideas.ClickbelowformoreSBIRinformation.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations with less than 500 employees
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/small-business-innovation-research-program-phase-i
28 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
4.2.2 GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY FACILTIES
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential
communityfacilityisdenedasafacilitythatprovidesanessentialservicetothelocalcommunityforthe
orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial, or
business undertakings.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce;http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program
Community Facilities Economic Impact Initiative Grants
This program provides funding to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural
communities with extreme unemployment and severe economic depression. An essential community facility
is one that provides an essential service to the local community, is needed for the orderly development of the
community, serves a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial, or business undertakings.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/economic-impact-initiative-grants
Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program
This program provides loan guarantees to eligible private lenders to help build essential community facilities
inruralareas.Anessentialcommunityfacilityisdenedasafacilitythatprovidesanessentialservicetothe
local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include
private, commercial or business undertakings.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-guaranteed-loan-program
4.2.3 TELECOMMUNICATIONS & BROADBAND
Community Connect Grant Program
This program helps fund broadband deployment into rural communities where it is not yet economically viable
for private-sector providers to deliver service.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility:MostStateandlocalgovernments,Federallyrecognizedtribes,non-prots,orfor-prot
corporations. Rural areas that lack any existing broadband speed of at least 4 Mbps downstream
and 1 Mbps upstream are eligible.
ProgramContact:RuralUtilityServiceTelecomProgramLoanOriginationandApprovalDivision,(202)
720-0800, Community.Connect@wdc.usda.gov
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 29
Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans & Loan Guarantees
Thisprogramprovidesnancingfortheconstruction,maintenance,improvement,andexpansionoftelephone
service and broadband in rural areas.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LoanOriginationandApprovalDivision,(202)720-0800
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/telecommunications-infrastructure-loans-loan-
guarantees
Rural Broadband Loans & Loan Guarantees
TheRuralBroadbandAccessLoanandLoanGuaranteeProgram(BroadbandProgram)furnishesloansand
loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and
equipment needed to provide service at the broadband lending speed in eligible rural areas.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: RuralUtilityServiceTelecomProgramLoanOriginationandApprovalDivision,(202)720-
0800
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-bill-broadband-loans-loan-guarantees
Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of
telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low
population density. For example, this program can link teachers and medical service providers in one area to
students and patients in another.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: RUS Telecom Program Loan Origination and Approval Division,
dltin[email protected]sda.gov,(202)720-0800
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants
4.2.4 ENERGY & ELECTRICITY
Distributed Generation Energy Project Financing
The RUS Electric Program can provide loans and loan guarantees to energy project developers for distributed
energy projects including renewables that provide wholesale or retail electricity to existing Electric Program
borrowersortoruralcommunitiesservedbyotherutilities.ElectricProgramprojectnancingloansfollow
the same regulatory requirements and processes as do our traditional electric infrastructure loans and loan
guarantees(alsoknownassystemloansorloansforruralelectrication).
Distributed generation projects, including generation from renewable resources, are providing more power
supply options for rural communities. There is growing interest among electric cooperatives to enter into power
purchaseagreements(PPAs)withprojectdevelopersortointerconnectdistributedgenerationprojectsdirectly
into their systems.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: OfceofLoanOrigination&Approval,Joe.Badin@wdc.usda.gov
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distributed-generation-energy-project-nancing
30 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Electric Infrastructure Loan & Loan Guarantee Program
Theelectricprogrammakesinsuredloansandloanguaranteestononprotandcooperativeassociations,public
bodies,andotherutilities.Insuredloansprimarilynancetheconstructionofelectricdistributionfacilities
inruralareas.Theguaranteedloanprogramhasbeenexpandedandisnowavailabletonancegeneration,
transmission,anddistributionfacilities.Theloansandloanguaranteesnancetheconstructionofelectric
distribution, transmission, and generation facilities, including system improvements and replacement required
to furnish and improve electric service in rural areas, as well as demand side management, energy conservation
programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: RuralUtilitiesService,ElectricProgramOfceofLoanOriginationandApproval,
(202)720-1422
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/electric-infrastructure-loan-loan-guarantee-program
Energy Efciency and Conservation Loan Program
TheEnergyEfciencyandConservationLoanProgram(EECLP)providesloanstonanceenergyefciency
and conservation projects for commercial, industrial, and residential consumers. With the EECLP, eligible
utilities, including existing Rural Utilities Service borrowers, can borrow money tied to Treasury rates of
interest and re-lend the money to develop new and diverse energy service products within their service
territories.Forinstance,borrowerscouldsetupon-billnancingprogramswherebycustomersintheirservice
territoriesimplementenergy-efciencymeasuresbehindthemeterandrepaytheloantothedistributionutility
through their electric bills.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations
Contact: RuralUtilitiesService-ElectricProgram,(202)720-9545
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-efciency-and-conservation-loan-program
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 31
High Energy Cost Grant Program
Assists energy providers and other eligible entities in lowering energy costs for families and individuals in areas
withextremelyhighper-householdenergycosts(275percentofthenationalaverageorhigher.)
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: Rural Utilities Service - Electric Program, High Energy Cost Grants Program,
(202)720-9545
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/high-energy-cost-grants
Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants
Grantees assist rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits,
andprovidingrenewableenergydevelopmentassistance(REDA).
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Key Dates: Review application dates in current Notice of Funding Availability.
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-energy-audit-
renewable-energy-development-assistance
Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efciency Improvement
Loans & Grants
Providesguaranteedloannancingandgrantfundingtoagriculturalproducersandruralsmallbusinessesfor
renewableenergysystemsortomakeenergy-efciencyimprovements.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-
systems-energy-efciency
Rural Energy Savings Program
TheRuralEnergySavingsProgram(RESP)helpsruralfamiliesandsmallbusinessesachievecostsavingsby
providingloanstoqualiedconsumerstoimplementdurablecost-effectiveenergy-efciencymeasures.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations
KeyDates:Applicationsforthisprogramwillbeacceptedonarst-comerst-servedbasisuntilthe
depletion of available funding. Please see the funding announcement which provides detailed
information on the RESP, including how to apply.
Contact: Titilayo Ogunyale, Titilayo.Ogunyale@usda.gov,(202)720-0736
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-savings-program
32 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
4.2.5 RESTORING TRIBAL LANDS
Highly Fractionated Indian Land Loans
HighlyfractionatedIndianlandloansprovideloanstoqualiedintermediarylendersthatwillrelendthefunds
toqualiedtribesandindividualstoreduceoreliminatefractionatedownershipinterestsofIndianlands.
ParticipatingintermediarylendersmustbeapprovedbyFSA.Thelendersmaybeprivateandtribalnonprot
corporations,publicagencies,IndiantribesorlenderssubjecttoFederalorstateregulation(suchasacredit
unionorothernancialinstitution).Toreceivealoanfromtheintermediary,theymust:
• comply with highly erodible land conservation and wetland conservation requirements on all their land;
• agree to continue to use the land for agricultural purposes during the term of the loan; and
• agree to comply with the requirements of the intermediary lender; funds may be used to pay costs
incidental to land acquisition, including, but not limited to, title clearance, legal services, archeological or
land surveys, and loan closing; may be used to pay for costs of an appraisal conducted for this loan; and
be able to purchase fractionated interests resulting in at least 51-percent ownership.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility:Tribesand/orTribalOrganizationsasIntermediary,withtheTribalCitizensastheEndRecipient
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfcehttps://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-ofces/index
Indian Tribal Land Acquisition
IndianTribalLandAcquisitionProgram(ITLAP)loansenableIndiantribestopurchaseprivatelyheldlands
that lie within their reservations. Loan funds may be used to pay expenses incidental to the purchase of the land,
but not for land development.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribes
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
4.2.6 HOUSING
Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans & Grants
Thisprogramprovidesaffordablenancingtodevelophousingforyear-roundandmigrantorseasonaldomestic
farm laborers.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants
Housing Preservation & Revitalization Demonstration Loans & Grants
The program restructures loans for existing Rural Rental Housing and Off-Farm Labor Housing projects to help
improve and preserve the availability of safe, affordable rental housing for low-income residents.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/housing-preservation-revitalization-demonstration-
loans-grants
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 33
Housing Preservation Grants
The program provides grants to sponsoring organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing occupied by
income-eligible people.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/housing-preservation-grants
Multi-Family Housing Direct Loans
Thisprogramprovidescompetitivenancingforaffordablemulti-familyrentalhousingforlow-income,elderly,
or disabled individuals and families in eligible rural areas.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/multi-family-housing-direct-loans
Multi-Family Housing Loan Guarantees
Theprogramworkswithqualiedprivate-sectorlenderstoprovidenancingtoqualiedborrowerstoincrease
the supply of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in eligible rural
areas and towns.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/multi-family-housing-loan-guarantees
34 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Multi-Family Housing Rental Assistance
ThisprogramprovidespaymentstoownersofUSDA-nancedRuralRentalHousingorFarmLaborHousing
projects on behalf of low-income tenants unable to pay their full rent.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/multi-family-housing-rental-assistance
Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans
Also known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, this program assists low- and very-low-income applicants
obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an
applicant’s repayment ability. Payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment for a
short time. The amount of assistance is determined by the adjusted family income.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-direct-home-loans
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
This program assists approved lenders in providing low- and moderate-income households the opportunity
to own adequate, modest, decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings as their primary residence in eligible rural
areas. Eligible applicants may build, rehabilitate, improve, or relocate a dwelling in an eligible rural area. The
programprovidesa90%-loannoteguaranteetoapprovedlendersinordertoreducetheriskofextending100%
loans to eligible rural homebuyers.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-guaranteed-loan-program
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 35
Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants
AlsoknownastheSection504HomeRepairprogram,thisprovidesthefollowing:1)loanstovery-low-income
homeownerstorepair,improve,ormodernizetheirhomes,or2)grantstoelderlyvery-low-incomehomeowners
to remove health and safety hazards.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
4.2.7 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Rural Business Development Grant Program
RBDG is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities
leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have
fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues. Programmatic activities are separated into
enterprise or opportunity-type grant activities.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants
Rural Community Development Initiative Grants
Thisprogramprovidesfundingtohelpnon-prothousingandcommunitydevelopmentorganizationssupport
housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-community-development-initiative-grants
Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program
The primary objective of the RCDG program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by assisting
individuals and businesses in the startup, expansion, or operational improvement of rural cooperatives and other
mutually owned businesses through Cooperative Development Centers. Grants are awarded through a national
competition.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
ProvidesloansandgrantstoMicroenterpriseDevelopmentOrganizations(MDOs)toprovidemicroloansfor
microenterprise startups and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund and to provide training and
technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-microentrepreneur-assistance-program
36 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Program (SEARCH)
Theprogramhelpsverysmall,nanciallydistressedruralcommunitieswithpredevelopmentfeasibilitystudies,
design assistance, and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/search-special-evaluation-assistance-rural-
communities-and-households
4.2.8 WATER & WASTE WATER
Household Water Well System Grant Program
Thisprogramhelpsqualiednon-protsandTribescreatearevolvingloanfund(RLF)toextendaccessto
clean, reliable water to households in eligible rural areas.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/household-water-well-system-grants
Individual Water & Wastewater Grant Program
IndividualWaterandWastewaterGrants(WWD)providegovernmentfundstohouseholdsresidinginan
area recognized as a Colonia before October 1, 1989. Grant funds may be used to connect service lines to a
residence,payutilityhook-upfees,andinstallplumbingandrelatedxtures,i.e.bathroomsink,bathtubor
shower, commode, kitchen sink, water heater, outside spigot, or bathroom, if lacking.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens in states with Colonias, and those are Arizona, California, New Mexico, and
Texas.Thecoloniamustbelocatedinaruralarea(unincorporatedareasandanycityor
townwithapopulationnotinexcessof10,000inhabitants)andisidentiedasacommunity
designated in writing by the State or county in which it is located.
ProgramContact:USDARDStateOfce:www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/individual-water-wastewater-grants
Rural Alaska Village Grant Program
The program helps remote Alaskan Villages provide safe, reliable drinking water and waste disposal systems
for households and businesses.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/grants-rural-and-native-alaskan-villages
Solid Waste Management Grant Program
This program helps reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources through funding for organizations that
provide technical assistance or training to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/solid-waste-management-grants
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 37
Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias
This program provides access to safe, reliable drinking water and waste disposal facilities and services to low-
incomecommunitiesthatfacesignicanthealthrisks.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes and Tribal Organizations serving areas recognized as Colonias before October 1, 1989.
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-grants-alleviate-health-risks-
tribal-lands-and-colonias
Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program
Provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste
disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program
Water & Waste Disposal Loan Guarantee Program
Theprogramhelpsprivatelendersprovideaffordablenancingtoqualiedborrowerstoimproveaccessto
clean, reliable water and waste disposal systems for households and businesses in rural areas.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-loan-guarantees
Water & Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grant Program
The program assists low-income communities with initial planning and development of an application for RD
WaterandWasteDisposaldirectloan/grantandloanguaranteeprograms.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-predevelopment-planning-
grants
38 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Water & Waste Disposal Revolving Loan Fund Program
Thisprogramhelpsqualiednon-protscreatearevolvingloanfund(RLF)thatcanprovidenancingforthe
extension and improvement of water and waste disposal systems in rural areas.
Agency: RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-revolving-loan-funds
Water & Waste Disposal Technical Assistance & Training Grant Program
Thisprogramhelpsqualied,privatenon-protsprovidetechnicalassistanceandtrainingto(a)identifyand
evaluatesolutionstowaterandwasteproblems;(b)assistapplicantsinpreparingapplicationsforwaterand
wastedisposalloans/grants;and(c)assistassociationsinimprovingoperationandmaintenanceofexisting
water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas.
Agency:RuralDevelopment(RD)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations
Contact: USDARDStateOfce:http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-technical-assistance-training-
grants
4.2.9 SHARING THE STORY: RELIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDED TO THE PINE RIDGE
COMMUNITY
Pine Ridge is the most populous community in Oglala Lakota County, SD with a population of 3,308. It is
located inside the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and is the tribal headquarters for the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
The lift station in Pine Ridge was in very poor condition with pump failure and raw sewage discharge
occurringfartoooften.Theliftstationwasnearingtheendofitsusefullife.TheOglalaSiouxTribe(OST)
was in compliance with all applicable regulations, but at times when the lift station pumps would fail causing
environmental and health concerns.
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 39
To protect the health and safety of the residents of Pine Ridge, a new double box culvert duplex lift station, all
necessary appurtenances to fully replace the existing lift station, and an emergency standby generator were
installed.
These improvements eliminated any further discharge and it meets the existing and future needs for pumping
sewagetothewaterandwastetreatmentfacility.Thenalanalysisisthattheupgradesprovidereliable
infrastructure for this rural community and it protects the health and safety of its residents.
USDA Rural Development assisted with this project through Water and Waste Loan and Grant funds totally
$760,000.ThefederalfundingwasleveragedwithgrantsfromIndianHealthService(IHS)of$265,000and
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)of$493,000bringingthetotalprojectcostto$1,518,000.
“As the operator of the systems, I sincerely appreciated the combined efforts and resources,” said Robert Pille,
Oglala Sioux Tribe Water and Sewer Director. “We have a fantastic responsibility to provide services to our
proudrstnationpeopleandthisprojectwillimprovethelivingconditionsandthehealthoftheOglalaSioux
Tribe. As we move forward, water and sewer will move from crisis management to asset management and have
a far better operations and maintenance system going forward. I thank the entire team for this project. The
resultsarealreadyprovidingahugebenettoouroperations.WopilaTanka!(ManyThanks!).”
4.3 Conservation and Forestry
StewardshipofthelandisasacredprincipleformanyAI/ANvillages,andTribesacrossthecountrycarry
anintimateknowledgeoftheirlandandhowenvironmentalcyclesprogressthroughouttheyear.Reecting
thetraditionalknowledgeofAmerica’srststewards,Nativeproducers,foresters,andenvironmentalistsoffer
a unique perspective on effective land management practices. USDA recognizes that within each state are a
diverse array of land-use and land-conservation practices.
4.3.1 CONSERVATION ON AGRICULTURAL LANDS
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
ThepurposesoftheAgriculturalConservationEasementProgram(ACEP)aretorestore,protect,andenhance
wetlands on eligible land; to protect the agricultural viability, and related conservation values of eligible land by
limiting non-agricultural uses of that land; and protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring
and conserving eligible land.
Agency: NaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: Easement Programs Division
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/acep/
Agricultural Management Assistance Program
TheAgriculturalManagementAssistance(AMA)Programpromotestheadoptionofconservationpracticesby
agricultural producers in order to manage risk and address natural resource issues through natural resources
conservation.
Agency: NaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens
Contact: Financial Assistance Programs Division
Website: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/nancial/ama/
40 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Conservation Loan Program
FSA guarantees conservation loans to implement conservation techniques that will conserve natural
resources. The loans are available from lenders working with FSA, and funds can be used to implement
conservationpracticesapprovedbytheNaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS),suchasthe
installation of conservation structures; establishment of forest cover; installation of water conservation
measures; establishment or improvement of permanent pastures; and simliar practices.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfcehttps://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://ofces.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
Conservation Stewardship Program
TheConservationStewardshipProgram(CSP)encouragesproducerstoaddressresourceconcernsina
comprehensive manner by improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities; and
undertaking additional conservation activities.
Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens
Contact: Financial Assistance Programs Division
Website: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/nancial/csp/
Conservation Reserve Program
TheConservationReserveProgram(CRP)isavoluntaryprogramavailabletoagriculturalproducersto
plant long-term, resource-conserving grasses or trees on environmentally sensitive farmland to improve the
quality of water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. In return, FSA provides participants with
rentalpaymentsandcost-shareassistance.ParticipantscanenrollinCRPintwoways.Therstisthrough
a competitive process known as CRP General Sign-up. General CRP sign-ups are announced on a periodic
basisbytheSecretaryofAgriculture;theydonotoccuraccordingtoanyxedschedule.Thesecondwayto
enroll is through CRP Continuous Sign-up, which allows for environmentally sensitive land devoted to certain
conservation practices to be enrolled in CRP at any time without competition. Contract duration is between 10
and 15 years.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp
Emergency Watershed Protection Program
There is a role for tribes and tribal members as sponsor and participants. Policy is listed under Title 390 Part
510 to 515 for both Recovery and Floodplain Easements.
Agency: NaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens
Contact: Kevin Farmer for Recovery Component kevin.farmer@usda.gov
Jeff Williams for Floodplain Easements jeff.williams@usda.gov
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/landscape/
ewpp/?cid=nrcseprd1381472
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/landscape/
ewpp/?cid=nrcs143_008216
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 41
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
TheEnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)providesnancialandtechnicalassistanceto
agricultural producers to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns
and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air, and related resources on Tribal land, agricultural
land, and non-industrial private forestland.
Agency: NaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens
Contact: Financial Assistance Programs Division, https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/nancial/eqip/
4.3.2 SHARING THE STORY: INDIAN NATIONS CONSERVATION ALLIANCE SUCCESS STORY
Inanefforttointroduceyouthtotheeldofnaturalresources,thehttps://inca-tcd.org/ Indian Nations
ConservationAlliance(INCA)hasinitiatedapilotyouthcorpsprogram.Theoverallgoalsoftheprogram
are to get boots on the ground doing locally important conservation work with the input of cultural leaders
and elders, give youth work experience and life skills, and increase awareness and participation in Tribal
Conservation Districts. The criteria for corps members are at-risk youth, 18-28 years old, with a background
ofdrugs,alcoholism,abuse,orlowtofailinggradesintheclassroom.Therstareaparticipatinginthepilot
program is the https://www.chippewacree-nsn.gov/ Chippewa Cree Tribe located on the Rocky Boy’s Indian
Reservation in Montana.
“We wanted to focus on a higher than normal age range and work with students that get left behind,” said
Delane Atcitty, INCA’s Executive Director. “The A and B students can get scholarships and have a strong
support system, but we still have other students. We want to treat them fair, give them a good wage, and provide
a lot of mentoring.”
INCA hired Randall Black Eagle as the District Coordinator for the Chippewa Cree Tribal Conservation
District. With guidance from the https://mtcorps.org/ Montana Conservation Corps, Black Eagle met with
local high schools and http://www.stonechild.eduStoneChildCollegetobeginndinglikelycandidatesfor
the Rocky Boy Youth Corps pilot program. Stone Child College also worked with the program to make college
creditsavailabletothemembers.Sixcrewmemberswerehired;ateamleaderandvecrewmembers.Thecrew
42 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
begantheirworkbymeetinginaclassroomtotakerstaidtraining,nishtheirINCApersonnelpaperwork
anddiscusswhatconservationmeanttothematthatpoint.Ofcialcrewshirtswerepurchasedsoeachmember
would be dressed alike, providing a sense of professionalism and belonging.
Black Eagle met with elders and cultural leaders in the community to inform them of the youth corps project
and to reserve work concerning the cultural element of the youth corps program. Forty percent of the program
work is meant to help the Tribes’ cultural leaders and elders with ceremonial activities. Black Eagle worked
with three elders in the community on various cultural activities as well as the yearly Sundance Lodge which is
the biggest cultural event in the community.
“The crew helped elders clean the ceremonial grounds this year,” said Atcitty. “Afterward, three elders sat with
the crew and discussed what natural resource management was like when they were young. They also talked
about picking herbs for medicinal purposes or berries for cultural recipes.”
Black Eagle met with the Chippewa Cree Tribal Business Committee to inform them of the intention to create
a youth corps. With input from the Chippewa Cree Natural Resources Department and the Chippewa Cree
Forestry Department, the youth corps assisted in collecting data on 38 range units under management of the
Natural Resources Department to create conservation plans for those units. The data and plans will also go a
long way toward completing the Agricultural Resource Management Plan or long range plan for all agricultural
resource uses on the Reservation in partnership with the https://www.bia.gov/bia/ots/division-natural-resources/
branch-agriculture-and-rangeland-development Bureau for Indian Affairs. The youth corps crew has completed
GPS points on three range units and located four spring developments. The range units are challenging due
to the size and rough terrain of each unit. The mapping of the range units is estimated as a three-year project
consistingofvemajorareas;fencing,livestockandwildlifemanagement,agricultureandnoxiousweeds,
spring development and water sources. Crew members will get training in ArcGIS mapping, GPS, working with
Federal agencies and partnering, and doing rangeland assessments.
“Randallisinstrumentaltogettingthisprogramgoinglocally,”saidAtcitty.“TheyboughtGPS/GISequipment
for the crew to do the work and Randall’s education has helped the crew map the infrastructure on those range
units.”
The youth corps crew at Rocky Boy began working on June 22 and this year’s program ended August 7. The
crew members will have a job application packet with their transcripts, work experience, a letter of reference,
andcerticationofcompletionwhentheirtimeintheprogramisover.
In validation of the crew’s hard work this summer, other Federal agencies that have heard of the youth corps
program are already asking for their help on other projects.
INCA refocused the https://www.nacdnet.org/about-nacd/what-we-do/tribal-outreach-partnership/ National
AssociationofConservationDistricts(NACD)fundingprovidedtotheChippewaCreeTribalConservation
District in 2019 to develop the youth corp
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 43
4.3.3 RESOURCES FOR PRIVATE AND TRIBALLY OWNED FOREST LANDS
Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP)
Congress created the CFLR Program in 2009 - and reauthorized it in 2018 - to promote forest health and
resiliency and support community well-being through collaborative landscape-scale restoration. The Program
has supported 23 CFLRP landscapes across the country ranging in size from 130,000 acres to 2.1 million.
CFLRP has several unique features, including a requirement that projects sustain community and collaborative
engagement. Project proposals must be developed through a transparent and inclusive collaborative process.
Congress can allocate up to $80M annually for CFLRP, with each project receiving no more than $4M annually.
Thesefundscancovernomorethan50%ofthecostsofimplementationandmonitoringonNationalForest
System lands. The remaining funds are matched through partnership contributions, goods for services generated
through stewardship contracts, and other Forest Service funds available to support the work.
Agency: ForestService(FS)
Eligibility: Proposals are submitted through National Forest System units in collaboration with diverse
partners and stakeholders
Contact: Forest Service CFLRP
Website: https://www.fs.fed.us/restoration/CFLRP/index.shtml
Community Forestry Program
TheCommunityForestProgramisagrantprogramthatauthorizestheForestServicetoprovidenancial
assistancetolocalgovernments,Tribalgovernments,andqualiednonprotentitiestoestablishcommunity
foreststhatprovidecontinuingandaccessiblecommunitybenets.
TheCommunityForestProgramwasauthorizedbythe2008FarmBill(Section8003oftheFood,
Conservation,andEnergyActof2008(PublicLaw110-234)),whichamendstheCooperativeForestry
Assistance Act of 1978.
Agency: ForestService(FS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: FS Community Forestry Program
Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/cooperativeforestry/programs/loa/cfp.shtml
Forest Health Protection Program
The Forest Health Protection program protects non-Federal forest and tree resources from damaging
forest insects, disease-causing agents, and invasive plants; develops and improves forest health protection
technologies; and monitors the health of our Nation’s forests. Technical assistance, formula grants, and project
grants are available. For technical assistance on private or Tribal trust land, Indian Tribes can approach the
Forest Service directly. The Forest Service can also conduct detection surveys and biological evaluations of
forest insect and disease outbreaks on U.S. Department of the Interior and Tribal trust lands.
Agency: ForestService(FS)
Eligibility: Tribes
Contact: FS Forest Health Protection, http://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/
44 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Forest Stewardship Program
These project grants help private forest landowners and individuals develop plans for managing non-Federal
forest land. Note that projects cannot be conducted on Tribal trust lands, thus only land owned by the Indian
Tribe is eligible. The Forest Service offers assistance, primarily through State agencies, to help protect and
improvesoil,water,range,aesthetics,recreation,timber,andshandwildliferesources.Itrequirespartiesto
share 50 percent of the costs. The Program provides assistance to owners of forest land and other lands where
good stewardship, including agroforestry applications, will enhance and sustain the long-term productivity of
multiple forest resources and produce healthy, resilient forest landscapes.
Agency: ForestService(FS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: FS Forest Stewardship Program Website: https://www.fs.fed.us/cooperativeforestry/programs/loa/
fsp.shtml
Healthy Forests Reserve Program
TheHealthyForestsReserveProgram(HFRP)helpslandownersrestore,enhance,andprotectforestland
resourcesonprivatelandsthrougheasementsandnancialassistance.HRFPaidstherecoveryofendangered
and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, improves plant and animal biodiversity, and
enhances carbon sequestration.
Agency: NaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Citizens
Key Dates: Announcement of application period as funding is available.
Contact: National Program Manager Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/
programs/easements/forests/
National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program
The Secretary of Agriculture has a congressionally designated advisory council that assists the U.S. Forest
ServiceinestablishingthegrantcategoriesandrecommendationsofnalproposalsfortheForestServiceto
consider. This is the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council. The National Urban and
CommunityForestryAdvisoryCouncilseeksinnovative(new,cutting-edgestudiesorstudiesthatbuildupon
existingstudies)grantproposalsforprogramdevelopment,study,andcollaborationthatwilllaunchsomeofthe
newstrategiesinthe(2016-2026)TenYearUrbanForestryActionPlan.
Agency: ForestService(FS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: Current-year priority funding topics can be found on the National Urban and Community
Advisory Council
Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac.shtml
Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA)
TheTribalForestProtectionActof2004,PL108-278(TFPA)wasenactedtoprovideameansforFederally
recognized Tribes in the United States to propose projects that would protect their rights, lands, and resources
byreducingthreatsfromwildre,insects,anddiseaseonFederallands.UnderTFPA,IndianTribesmaysubmit
proposals to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to enter into agreements or contracts
to carry out projects on Forest Service or BLM-administered land if their Tribal trust lands or resources are
adjacenttothegovernmentland.TFPAfundingisnotlimitedtoaspecicappropriationorbudgetcode.There
isnofundingspecicallyallocatedforTFPAprojects.Thatmeansthatthereisnomoneysetasidespecically
for TFPA Projects. TFPA projects can be funded by a variety of allocated funds as long as they meet the criteria
for those funds.
Agency: ForestService(FS)
Eligibility: Tribes
Contact: Forest Service TFPA
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/workingtogether/tribalrelations?cid=stelprdb5351850
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 45
Wood Innovations Grants
The Wood Innovations Grants funding supports traditional wood utilization projects, expands wood energy
markets, and promotes using wood as a construction material in commercial buildings. These grants
andcooperativeagreementssupporttheAgriculturalActof2014(Pub.L.113–79),RuralRevitalization
Technologies(7U.S.C.6601),andthenationwidechallengeofdisposingofhazardousfuelsandotherwood
residues from the National Forest System and other forest lands in a manner that supports wood energy and
wood products markets.
Agency: ForestService(FS)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: Forest Service Wood Innovation Grants
Website: https://www.fs.fed.us/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovations-grants
4.3.4 SHARING THE STORY: TRADITIONAL CHEROKEE LANDS PLACED IN
CONSERVATION EASEMENT
By Sandy Marin, Forest Service Resource Assistant
TheEasternBandofCherokeeIndians(EBCI)hassuccessfullycompetedforasecondForestService
Community Forest Program grant to continue enhancing the Hall Mountain Community Forest in Macon
County,NorthCarolina.HallMountainisaculturallyandhistoricallysignicantEBCIlandscapethatwasonce
threatened by developers. In 2012, EBCI, in collaboration with the Little Tennessee Land Trust, earned their
rstCommunityForestProgramgranttoincorporateapublichikingtrailhighlightingthenaturalresources
used and managed by the Tribe. Now, the Tribe is ready to enter phase 2 of enhancing the forest by expanding
the acreage and building an eagle aviary on the property.
The natural resources of Hall Mountain have been utilized by the Tribe since time immemorial and the
signicanthistoryhereisevidentintheoraoftheforest.Thereisaspirituallysignicantsiteintheviewshed
of Hall Mountain that Tommy Cabe, Forest Resource Specialist for EBCI, describes as a place that holds not
only spiritual importance, but also a rich history of trade. Cabe described the site as “a corridor of world trade
where Native Americans, the English, French, and Spanish would meet and trade seeds, furs, jewelry, minerals,
and more. Today we still see very high oak diversity and an unusually low elevation stand of table mountain
pine on Hall Mountain, this is evidence of the rich seed exchange we once had here and just one of the many
legacies of our culture that we are going to conserve by managing Hall Mountain.” Cabe goes on to describe
how “these pieces of property really take us back in time, reconnect us and give us a different perspective on
both the truths and untruths we have been taught.”
TheForestServiceCommunityForestProgramismutuallybenecialforboththeagencyandlocal
communities who have intimate knowledge of the land. Cabe appreciates the Forest Service investment in
shared stewardship, saying that “as stewards of this land, EBCI can demonstrate the incredible cultural and
historical value of this land, and share it both within and outside of our community. I hope that this relationship
with the Forest Service can be a demonstration to Tribes and other Federal agencies of the value of our
knowledge. We have the longest living connection to this land and that brings great value to the management of
our nation’s natural resources.”
46 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
4.3.5 WATERSHED AND WATER PROTECTION RESOURCES
Grassroots Source Water Protection Program
TheGrassrootsSourceWaterProtectionProgram(GSWPP)isajointeffortbetweenFSAandthenonprot
NationalRuralWaterAssociation(NRWA),designedtohelppreventsourcewaterpollutioninstatesthrough
voluntary practices installed by producers and other landowners at the local level. GSWPP relies on the onsite
technical assistance capabilities of each state’s rural water association in those states that operate a source water
protection program. These associations deliver assistance in developing source water protection plans within
watersheds with the goal of preventing contamination of drinking water supplies.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/source-water-protection/
Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program (WFPOP)
The WFPOP includes the Flood Prevention Operations Program authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944
and the provisions of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954. The Flood Control Act
originally authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to install watershed improvement measures in 11 watersheds,
alsoknownaspilotwatersheds,toreduceood,sedimentation,anderosiondamage;improvetheconservation,
development, utilization, and disposal of water; and advance the conservation and proper utilization of land.
The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act provides for cooperation between the Federal government
andtheStatesandtheirpoliticalsubdivisionsinaprogramtopreventerosion,oodwater,andsediment
damage; to further the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water; and to further the
conservation and proper utilization of land in authorized watersheds.
Agency: NaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)
Eligibility: Tribes
Contact: Watershed Programs Team Leader https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/wfpo/
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 47
4.3.6 REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
TheConservationReserveEnhancementProgram(CREP)isapartoftheConservationReserveProgram
whereby non-Federal partners and resources are coupled with Federal resources to address high-priority
conservation concerns within a State. CREP is a voluntary program that helps agricultural producers protect
environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and safeguard ground and surface
water. CREP is a partnership between state governments and the Federal Government. Participation is
voluntary, and the contract period is typically 10–15 years.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-
enhancement/index
Conservation Reserve Program - State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement
StateAcresforWildlifeEnhancement(SAFE)isdesignedtoaddressstateandregionalhigh-prioritywildlife
objectives. Producers within a SAFE area can submit offers to voluntarily enroll acres in Conservation Reserve
Program(CRP)contractsfor10-15years.Inexchange,producersreceiveannualrentalpayments,incentives,
and cost-share assistance to establish, improve, connect, or create higher-quality wildlife habitat.
Agency: FarmServiceAgency(FSA)
Eligibility: Tribal Citizens
Contact: LocalFSACountyOfce,https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp
Regional Conservation Partnership Program
TheRegionalConservationPartnershipProgram(RCPP)promotescoordinationbetweenNRCSandits
partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. NRCS provides assistance to producers
through partnership agreements and through program contracts or easement agreements.
Agency: NaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)
Eligibility: Tribes, Tribal Citizens, Tribal Organizations
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/nancial/rcpp/
4.4 RESEARCH, EDUCATION, and EXTENSION
USDA provides substantial funding and programs for the land-grant colleges and universities throughout the
United States. In addition to programs supporting the 1994 Tribal Colleges and Universities, USDA offers a
number of programs supporting other land-grant institutions working with Tribal Colleges and Universities, as
well as programs that support Tribal students and young professionals.
48 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
4.4.1 General Research and Education Resources
Some of these resources even assist with providing social and economic indicators commonly referenced
throughresearchorfundingapplications.TheEconomicResearchService(ERS),forexample,helpsanticipate
trends and emerging issues in agriculture, food, the environment, and rural America through objective, high-
quality economic research. ERS released Measuring Access to Healthful, Affordable Food in American Indian
and Alaska Native Tribal Areas in December 2014. The study compares distances to outlets for obtaining
healthy, affordable food in Tribal areas to those for the general U.S. population, with implications for improving
the health of Tribal populations.
Addressing food insecurity and food deserts often relies on an understanding of where food is grown. The
NationalAgriculturalStatisticsService(NASS)2012 Census of Agriculture reported at least 58,475 self-
identiedNativeproducerswerehelpingprovidefoodfortheircommunitiesandthecountry.Whilethe
2012 Census of Agriculture Highlights provides a snapshot for Native producers, these numbers consistently
impact USDA decision making processes and how the country measures its food supply. NASS surveys are
condential,withthenames,addresses,andotherpersonalidentiersprotectedbyNASSwiththeforceof
law. The next Census of Agriculture will be released in 2017, and producers interested in being counted should
contacttheirregionalNASSofceathttps://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/RFO/.
Additionally, the National Agricultural Library offers a searchable listing of additional resources, including
those provided by other Federal agencies, and is viewable at www.nal.usda.gov.
4.4.2 1994 LAND-GRANT TRIBAL COLLEGES
The 1994 land-grant Tribal Colleges were established through the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act
of1994.Thedepartmenthasthreeofcesthatspecicallyworktodeliverprogramsandsupporttotheseland-
grantinstitutions:the1994TribalLand-GrantCollegesandUniversitiesProgramOfce,theNationalInstitute
ofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA),andtheRuralDevelopmentCommunityFacilitiesProgramofce.
4.4.3 1994 TRIBAL LAND-GRANT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PROGRAM OFFICE
TheOfceofPartnershipsandPublicEngagement(OPPE)1994TribalLand-GrantCollegesandUniversities
Program’s(1994TLGCUProgram)missionistodevelop1994TLGCUProgramcapacitiestobenetrural
Tribal economies and to strengthen the United States’ food security.
TheauthoritiesforthisofcecomefromtheEquityinEducationalLand-GrantStatusActof1994andwere
reauthorized most recently through the Agriculture Act of 2014. Among Congress’ requirements is that “The
Secretary shall develop and implement a formal memorandum of agreement with the 1994 TLGCU to establish
programs to ensure that Tribally controlled colleges and Native American communities equitably participate in
Department of Agriculture employment, programs, services, and resources.”
1994 TLGCU Program has four major programmatic areas:
• TheUSDAandtheAmericanIndianHigherEducationConsortium(AIHEC)LeadershipGroup;
• The Tribal Land-Grant Liaison Program;
• The USDA Tribal Scholars and Internship Program; and
• TheTerraPretadoIndioTribalFellowship(forfacultyandstaff)
Website: Website:http://www.outreach.usda.gov/education/1994tlgcu/index.htm
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 49
4.4.4 USDA RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR TRIBAL COLLEGES
1994 Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program (TCEG)
The 1994 Land-Grants use Equity to support faculty who develop classes and degree programs that teach
science and math to Native Americans. The programs focus on agriculture, natural resources and human
sciences. The faculty strive to graduate students who can achieve their life goals. Since many 1994 Land-
Grants are two-year schools, some students aspire to advanced degrees. Other students seek training to begin
avocationalcareerinagriculture.Stillotherstudentswanttoearncerticationsjusttoimprovetheirdaily
lives. Faculty have used Equity funding to help build laboratories, conduct remedial courses, create new degree
programs in forestry and provide students stipends so they can complete their education. The goal is to graduate
empowered students who can embrace their future with new skills and knowledge.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility:TribalColleges&Universities(onlyLand-Grantinstitutions)
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/program/tribal-equity-grants-program
1994 Tribal Colleges Extension Services Program (TCEP)
The Tribal Colleges Extension Services Program provides funding to increase Extension program capacity at
1994Land-GrantInstitutions;andaddressspecialneeds,takeadvantageofimportantopportunities,and/or
demonstratelong-termsustainedbenetsofExtensionprojectsat1994Land-GrantInstitutions.Awardswill
bemadetosupportoneormoreofthefollowingExtensionbaseprogramareas:(1)Agriculture;Community
ResourcesandEconomicDevelopment;(2)FamilyDevelopmentandResourceManagement;(3)4-Hand
YouthDevelopment;(4)LeadershipandVolunteerDevelopment;(5)NaturalResourcesandEnvironmental
Management;and(6)Nutrition,DietandHealth.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility:TribalColleges&Universities(onlyLand-Grantinstitutions)
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/tribal-colleges-extension-services-program-capacity-
tcep
50 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
1994 Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program (TCRGP)
The1994Land-Grantsoftenserveastheprimaryinstitutionofscienticinquiry,knowledgeandlearningfor
reservation communities. This funding allows them to address the questions that matter to these communities
such as protecting reservation forests or monitoring water quality. Projects may help a tribe improve bison
herd productivity, discover whether traditional plants can play a role in managing diabetes or control invasive
species. The grant’s partnership requirement ensures that other Federal and Land-Grant research entities can
share resources and knowledge with these, the newest Land-Grants. In addition, this grant places an emphasis
on training students in science. There are three types of funding available through this grant. New Discovery
supportssophisticatedscienticinquirythatcouldbepublishedinapeer-reviewedjournal.Capacitylevel
grants allow the 1994 Land-Grant to respond directly to a concern of their reservation. Student Inquiry funding
allows a tribal college student to build a research project and present the results under the guidance of a 1994
Land-Grant faculty member. The visiting scholar option allows the Federal or Land-Grant partner to spend a
sabbatical at the 1994 Land-Grant teach or mentoring to build the tribal college’s research capacity. 1994 Land-
Grant faculty may also receive a grant to study optimal ways to teach Native American students in sciences as
they relate to health, conservation and agriculture. In addition, there is a special funding initiative that allows
theseschooltodevelopscienticcapacitythroughouttheentire1994Land-Grantsystem.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility:TribalColleges&Universities(onlyLand-Grantinstitutions)
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/program/tribal-college-research-grant-program
Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants
Program - ANNH
The purpose of this program is to promote and strengthen the ability of Alaska Native-Serving Institutions
and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and related community
development programs. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs, as determined by each
institution,withinabroadlydenedarenaoffoodandagriculturalsciences-relateddisciplines.Prioritywillbe
given to those projects that enhance educational equity for underrepresented students; strengthen institutional
educational capacities; prepare students for careers related to the food, agricultural, and natural resource
systems of the United States; and maximize the development and use of resources to improve food and
agricultural sciences teaching programs.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility: Tribal Colleges & Universities in Alaska
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/alaska-native-serving-and-native-hawaiian-serving-
institutions-education
Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program
This program is for beginning farmer education for adult and young audiences to support the delivery of
education, mentoring, and technical assistance programs to help farmers and ranchers in the United States with
entering, establishing, building, and managing successful farm enterprises.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/beginning-farmer-and-rancher-development-program-
bfrdp
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 51
4.4.5 SHARING THE STORY: USDA HELPS TRIBAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPPORT
FOOD SECURITY FOR ALASKA NATIVES
Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant
Imagine paying four times the national average to heat your home. Imagine having to rely on a single source
of food that could easily be impacted by ferry service. Imagine limited options in a rural setting. These
limitationsarebeingaddressedthroughthecommunityeffortsoftheHoonahIndianAssociation(HIA).HIA
has been awarded a USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations grant to design a biomass district heating loop
system to increase energy independence in the small Alaska town. The design will seek to be fueled entirely by
local and sustainably sourced biomass, the new heating system will have the capacity to power eight existing
buildings with constructions plans for a new biomass powered greenhouse and cultural center in the works. The
Wood Innovations Grant program funds inventive projects that support rural communities by creating jobs,
revitalizing economies, and supporting sustainable forest land management.
“Identifying sustainable fuel sources before the project starts is a crucial component of long-term success
because it is one of the biggest hurdles. It’s great to see that HIA is already planning for long term
sustainability” says Dr. Priscilla Morris, Forest Service Wood Biomass & Forest Stewardship Coordinator.
BuildingonareadilyavailablefuelsourceisarststepthatwillnowallowtheHoonahNativeForest
Partnership to participate in the design process and help determine a path forward. Current fuel source options
include manufacturing residuals from timber production and excess biomass from forest thinning that would
otherwise go to waste. Harvesting this product for fuel will not only help provide the community with power; it
willalsopromoteforesthealthanddecreasewildrerisk.
Thecommunitybenetofthissystemgoesfarbeyondenergyproduction.Thebiomasssystemandplanned
greenhousecouldmodeleffortsbytheSoutheastIslandSchoolDistrictonPrinceofWales(POW)Islandand
become key components of the curriculum in Hoonah schools. On POW, elementary and middle schoolers will
learn how to grow and market the food in the greenhouse, while high schoolers will go on to learn about the
mechanics behind the biomass heating loop system. Ian Johnson, the HIA Environmental Coordinator says “I
cannot understate the impact of a project like this in a small community like Hoonah. Our collective efforts that
willteachouryoungpeoplehowtoremainself-sufcientwillgoalongwaytoourcommunitywell-being.”The
ability to grow food year-round in the planned greenhouse increases community access to healthy, local, and
affordable food options. In a community where food supply can be uncertain at times due to a destabilized ferry
delivery system, being able to grow food locally all year long is a huge leap in food sovereignty.
The Wood Innovation Grant is crucial is pivotal to improving Hoonah’s community resilience by promoting
energy independence, food sovereignty, and economic stability.
Community Facilities Tribal College Initiative Grants
Thisprogramprovidesfundingto1994LandGrantInstitutions(TribalColleges)tomakecapitalimprovements
to their educational facilities and to purchase equipment.
Agency: RuralDevelopement(RD)
Eligibility:TribalColleges&Universities(onlyLand-Grantinstitions)
Contact: USDARDStateOfce,http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-ofces
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/tribal-college-initiative-grants
52 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Critical Agricultural Research and Extension - CARE
Despitepriorinvestmentsinbasicandappliedresearch,criticalproblemscontinuetoimpedetheefcient
production and protection of agriculturally important plants and animals. These problems may be local,
regional,ornational,andmaycallforworkfocusedononeormorescienticdisciplines.However,allneed
immediate attention to meet producer needs. Finding and implementing solutions to these critical problems
requires partnership and close coordination among researchers, extension experts, and producers. Funded
projects will quickly yield solutions or practices that can be rapidly implemented by producers.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility:Includes,butisnotlimitedtoNon-protandFor-protbusinessentities;Land-Grant
Universities, including 1994 Institutions; and Individuals
Contact: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/afri-foundational-critical-agricultural-research-and-
extension-care
Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grant Program (FINI)
To support projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating
intheSupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP)byprovidingincentivesatthepointofpurchase.The
program will test strategies that could contribute to our understanding of how best to increase the purchase of
fruitsandvegetablesbySNAPparticipantsthatwouldinformfutureefforts,anddevelopeffectiveandefcient
benetredemptiontechnologies.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations
Contact: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/food-insecurity-nutrition-incentive-ni-grant-program
Food Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences Education and Literacy Initiative - REEU
(undergraduate Research)
TheAgricultureandFoodResearchInitiative(AFRI)Food,Agriculture,NaturalResources,andHuman
SciencesEducationandLiteracyInitiative(ELI)providesfellowshipstoundergraduate,predoctoral,and
postdoctoral students in the agricultural sciences.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility: Tribes; Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/agriculture-and-food-research-initiative-food-
agriculture-natural-resources-and
Higher Education Challenge
ProjectssupportedbytheHigherEducationChallengeGrantsProgramwill:(1)addressaState,regional,
national,orinternationaleducationalneed;(2)involveacreativeornon-traditionalapproachtowardaddressing
thatneedthatcanserveasamodeltoothers;(3)encourageandfacilitatebetterworkingrelationshipsinthe
university science and education community, as well as between universities and the private sector, to enhance
programqualityandsupplementavailableresources;and(4)resultinbenetsthatwilllikelytranscendthe
project duration and USDA support.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Key Dates: Application dates vary.
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/higher-education-challenge-hec-grants-program
Multicultural Scholars Program - MSP
The purpose of this competitive undergraduate scholarship grant program is to increase the multicultural
diversityofthefoodandagriculturalscienticandprofessionalworkforce,andadvancetheeducational
achievement of all Americans by providing competitive grants to colleges and universities.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility: Tribal Colleges & Universities
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/higher-education-multicultural-scholars-program-msp
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 53
Rural Health and Safety - RHSE
The RHSE program proposals are expected to be community-based, outreach education programs, such as
those conducted through Human Science extension outreach, that provides individuals and families with the
following:
• Information as to the value of good health at any age;
• Information to increase individual or family’s motivation to take more responsibility for their own health;
• Information regarding rural environmental health issues that directly impact on human health;
• Information about and access to health promotion and educational activities; and
• Training for volunteers and health services providers concerning health promotion and health care
services for individuals and families in cooperation with State, local, and community partners.
Agency: NationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)
Eligibility:TribalColleges&Universities(onlyLand-Grantinstitutions)
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/rural-health-and-safety-education-competitive-grants-
program-rhse
Scientic Cooperation Exchange Program (SCEP)
SCEPsupportscollaborativerelationshipsbetweenteamsofscienticandtechnicalexpertsfromtheUnited
StatesandthePeople’sRepublicofChina.Approximately16SCEPteams(eachteamiscomprisedofsixto
eightrepresentivesfromtheUnitedStatesandsixtoeightrepresentativesfromChina).
Agency: ForeignAgriculturalService(FAS)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
 TradeandScienticExchangesDivision,SCEPProposals@usda.gov,
(202)720-0858
Website: http://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/scientic-cooperation-exchange-program
54 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
Scientic Cooperation Research Program (SCRP)
SCRP pairs U.S. research institutions with at least one counterpart overseas to conduct a
joint research endeavor that supports food security needs of eligible countries. There are
approximately six awards of up to $40,000 each.
Agency: ForeignAgriculturalService(FAS)
Eligibility: Tribal Organizations; Tribal Colleges & Universities
Contact: TradeandScienticExchangesDivision,SCRPProposals@usda.gov,
(202)690-1983
Website: https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/scientic-cooperation-research-program
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 55
Appendixes
5.1 USDA Organization Chart
USDA
Organization Chart
Secretary
Deputy Secretary
Assistant
Secretary for
Civil Rights
Assistant Secretary for
Congressional Relations
Assistant Secretary
for Administration
Inspector
General
General
Counsel
Ofce of the
Chief Financial
Ofcer
Ofce of the
Chief
Economist
Ofce of the
Executive
Secretariat
Ofce of
Budget and
Program Analysis
Ofce of
Communications
Ofce of
Tribal Relations
Ofce of
Partnerships and
Public Engagement
• Higher Education
• Strategic Initiatives
• 2501 Grants
Ofce of
Hearings and
Appeals
Ofce of the Chief
Information Ofcer
Under Secretary for
Farm Production
and Conservation
• FPAC Business Center
• Farm Services Agency
• Risk Management
Agency
• Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Under Secretary for
Food, Nutrition and
Consumer Services
• Food and Nutrition Service
Under Secretary
for Food Safety
• Food Safety
Inspection Service
Under Secretary
for Marketing and
Regulatory Programs
• Agricultural Marketing
Service
• Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service
Under Secretary for
Natural Resources
and Environment
• Forest Service
Under Secretary for
Rural Development
• Rural Housing Service
• Rural Utility Service
• Rural Business
Cooperative Service
Under Secretary for
Research, Education
and Economics
• Ofce of the Chief
Scientist
• Agricultural Research
Service
• National Agricultural
Statistical Service
• National Institute of Food
and Agriculture
• Economic Research
Service
Under Secretary for
Trade and Foreign
Agricultural Affairs
• Foreign Agricultural
Service
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
UPDATED 10/01/20 This organization chart displays the names of USDA ofces, agencies, and mission areas. Each ofce, agency, and mission area is placed within a cell connected by lines to show the structure and hierarchy (Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary, or
Secretary) for which they fall under. An HTML version that lists USDA Agencies and Ofces and USDA Mission Areas is also available on usda.gov. The Secretary’s Memorandum 1076-031 was signed August 12, 2019 effectuating a change to Rural Development.
5.2 USDA AGENCIES
TheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)workstosupporttheAmericanagriculturaleconomyto
strengthen tribal and rural communities; to protect and conserve our natural resources; and to provide a safe,
sufcient,andnutritiousfoodsupplyfortheAmericanpeople.TheDepartment’swiderangeofprogramsand
responsibilities touches the lives of every American every day.
HereyouwillndinformationaboutsomeofUSDA’sagenciesandofces,theirmissions,responsibilities,and
services they provide, as well as committees and boards, and e-mail lists you can sign up for.
56 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
5.2.1 AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE
TheAgriculturalMarketingService(AMS)administersprogramsthatfacilitateefcient,fairmarketingofU.S.
agriculturalproducts,includingfood,ber,andspecialtycrops.AMSidentiesandpromotesthedevelopment
of marketing opportunities for the agricultural community by conducting and supporting research and providing
information on farmer direct marketing activities. AMS programs promote a strategic marketing perspective
that adapts product and marketing practices and technologies to the issues of today and the challenges of
tomorrow.
AMS conducts quarterly consultation calls on topics ranging from grants related to agricultural marketing, local
food, and food HUBS; free webinars; updates topics such as on livestock and procurement efforts; as well as,
information on becoming an approved vendor for food distribution.
Contact: (202)720-8998
Website: www.ams.usda.gov
E-mail: PA@usda.gov In the subject line type: Add to Tribal Consultation e-mail
5.2.2 AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE
TheAgriculturalResearchService(ARS)istheprincipalin-houseresearchagencyofUSDA.ARSischarged
withextendingtheNation’sscienticknowledgethroughtheadministrationofitsnationalprograms,aswell
as by conducting research projects in animal and crop production and protection, human nutrition, food safety,
bioenergy, the environment, and other topics that affect the American people on a daily basis.
Contact: (301)504-1636
Website: www.ars.usda.gov
5.2.3 ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
TheAnimalandPlantHealthInspectionService(APHIS)makesasignicantcontributiontothevalueof
the Nation’s food supply by protecting U.S. agricultural resources from pests and diseases, managing wildlife
damage, regulating genetically engineered organisms, and administering the Animal Welfare Act. APHIS
programs integrate plant and animal disease surveillance, epidemiology, emergency response, and information
delivery to ensure the marketability of U.S. agricultural products. APHIS also works to resolve and manage
trade issues related to animal or plant health.
Contact: (844)820-2234https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/banner/contactus;
CustomerServiceCallCenter@aphis.usda.gov
Website: www.aphis.usda.gov,
WildlifeServicesStateOfceDirectoryhttps://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/
wildlifedamage/SA_Program_Overview/SA_Contact;
Plant Protection and Quarantine Contacts https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/banner/contactus/
sa_plant_health/contact-ppq;
Contact Veterinary Services https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/contact-us;
Contact Animal Care https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/banner/contactus/sa_animal_welfare;
Contact Biotechnology Regulatory Services https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/
biotechnology/sa_contact_brs/ct_contact_brs
5.2.4 CENTER FOR NUTRITION POLICY AND PROMOTION
TheCenterforNutritionPolicyandPromotion(CNPP)establishesFederalnutritionpolicythroughtheDietary
Guidelines for Americans, sets priorities for nutrition research, sets nutrition standards, and disseminates
dietary guidance. It maintains the MyPlate food guidance system.
Contact: (703)305-7600
Website: www.cnpp.usda.gov
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 57
5.2.5 ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE
TheEconomicResearchService(ERS)isaprimarysourceofeconomicinformationandresearchinUSDA.
ERS conducts its research program to inform public and private decision making on economic and policy
issues involving food, farming, natural resources, and rural development. ERS’ economists and social scientists
conduct research, analyze food and commodity markets, produce policy studies, and develop economic and
statistical indicators. ERS staff disseminates economic information and research results through an array of
outlets.
Contact: (202)694-5000
Website: www.ers.usda.gov
5.2.6 FARM SERVICE AGENCY
TheFarmServiceAgency(FSA)ensuresthewell-beingofAmericanagriculture,theenvironment,andthe
Americanpublicthroughthefollowing:(1)theadministrationoffarmcommodityprograms;(2)farmownership,
operating,andemergencyloans;(3)conservationandenvironmentalprograms;(4)emergencyanddisaster
assistance;and(5)domesticandinternationalfoodassistance.FSAprogramsaredeliveredthroughanextensive
networkofeldofcesinover2,200USDACountyServiceCentersand51StateOfces.TondtheFSAofce
nearest to you see
Website: https://ofces.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app. For additional information on FSA see https://www.fsa.
usda.gov/
5.2.7 FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
TheFoodandNutritionService(FNS)administerstheUSDAnutritionassistanceprogramsthatprovide
children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education.
ProgramsincludetheSupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP),theSpecial
SupplementalNutritionProgramforWomen,Infants,andChildren(WIC),theNationalSchool
LunchProgram(NSLP),SchoolLunchandBreakfast(SBP),andtheFoodDistributionProgram
onIndianReservations(FDPIR).
Contact: (703)305-2062
Website: www.fns.usda.gov,
58 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
5.2.8 FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE
Touchingthelivesofmillionsofpeopleeveryday,theFoodSafetyandInspectionService(FSIS)isthepublic
health agency responsible for ensuring that the Nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and processed
egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. FSIS also manages the USDA Meat and
Poultry Hotline, which provides consumers with answers to their food safety questions.
Contact: (202)720-9113
Website: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/home
5.2.9 FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE
TheForeignAgriculturalService(FAS)workstoimproveforeignmarketaccessforU.S.productsand
administersmarketdevelopmentandexportnancingprograms.FAShelpsU.S.exportersdevelopand
maintain markets overseas for U.S. food and agricultural products. FAS helps developing countries improve
their agricultural systems and build their trade capacity.
Contact: (202)720-7115
Website: www.fas.usda.gov
5.2.10 FOREST SERVICE
TheForestService(FS)manages193millionacresofpubliclandsin155nationalforestsand20grasslands
andisthelargestforestryresearchoperationintheworld.TheFSprovidestechnicalandnancialassistanceto
help rural and urban citizens, including private landowners, care for forest, watersheds, and rangelands in their
communities.
Contact: (202)205-1680
Website: FS Information: www.fs.fed.us
Regional Info.: http://www.fs.fed.us/organization
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 59
5.2.11 GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS ADMINISTRATION
TheGrainInspection,PackersandStockyardsAdministration(GIPSA)facilitatesthemarketingoflivestock,
poultry, meat, cereals, oilseeds, and related agricultural products. The agency promotes fair and competitive
tradingpracticesfortheoverallbenetofconsumersandAmericanagriculture.
Contact: (202)720-0219
Website: https://www.gipsa.usda.gov/
5.2.12 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE
TheNationalAgriculturalStatisticsService(NASS)istheofcialFederalstatisticalagencyforagriculture.The
agency serves U.S. agricultural and rural communities with accurate, timely, and useful statistical products and
services that are vital information to monitor the ever-changing agricultural sector and carry out farm policy.
Every 5 years, NASS conducts the Census of Agriculture, which is the only source of uniform, comprehensive
agricultural data for every county in the United States. The Census of Agriculture provides detailed data
onAmericanIndian/AlaskaNativeproducersandreservation-leveldataforfarmsonAmericanIndian
reservations.
Contact: 1(800)727-9540
Website: www.nass.usda.gov
5.2.13 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
TheNationalInstituteofFoodandAgriculture(NIFA)impactsthelivesofmillionsofAmericanseachday
by supporting exemplary research, education, and extension that address many challenges facing our Nation
through collaboration with historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Tribal
colleges.YouareconnectedtoNIFAthroughyournearestExtensionofce,whichprovidesanswerstoconcerns
through educational materials and Web-based information.
Contact: (202)720-7441
Website: www.nifa.usda.gov
5.2.14 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
TheNaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)helpspeoplehelpthelandthroughscienticallybased,
locally led voluntary conservation efforts and improve natural resources on private lands. NRCS work results
in productive lands and a healthy environment through reduced soil erosion; water and air quality; energy
conservation;restoredwoodlandsandwetlands;enhancedshandwildlifehabitat;andreducedupstream
ooding.
Contact: (202)720-3210
Website: www.nrcs.usda.gov,UsetheUSDAServiceCenterLocatortondtheofcenearesttoyou:
http://ofces.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
5.2.15 RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY
TheRiskManagementAgency(RMA)administerstheFederalCropInsuranceCorporation(FCIC)programs
and promotes national welfare by improving the economic stability of agriculture through a secure system of
crop insurance and risk management tools. Through a network of public- and private-sector partners, RMA
creates crop insurance and risk management products, provides risk management education and outreach, and
ensures program accessibility and integrity.
Contact: (202)690-2803
Website: www.rma.usda.gov
60 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
5.2.16 RURAL DEVELOPMENT
USDARuralDevelopment(RD)iscomposedofthreeagencies:RuralBusiness-Cooperativeprograms,Rural
Housing and Community Facilities programs, and Rural Utilities programs. RD offers rural communities a
broadarrayofnancial,technical,andeducationalresourcesinordertoestablishandgrowruralbusinesses
andcooperatives.RDprovidesnancingforsinglefamilyhomesandmulti-familyhousingdevelopments,and
essentialcommunityfacilities.RDhelpstonancethedevelopmentofelectric,telephone,telecommunication,
and water and wastewater infrastructures to create affordable utilities.
Contact: 1(800)670-6553
Website: www.rd.usda.gov
To receive information regarding Funding, Publications, Events, and Learning opportunities on topics related to
Community and Economic development.
E-mail RDCED@wdc.usda.gov. In the subject line type: Add to CED e-mail
5.3 USDA Departmental Staff Ofces
(Partial list of staff ofces. Only ofces with direct impact to Tribes, TCUs, businesses, or organizations are
listed.)
5.3.1 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY (OSEC)
Assisted by the Deputy Secretary, the Subcabinet, and members of their immediate staffs, directs and
coordinates the work of the Department. This involves providing policy direction for all areas of the
DepartmentandmaintainingliaisonswiththeExecutiveOfceofthePresident,MembersofCongress,andthe
public.
5.3.2 OFFICE OF TRIBAL RELATIONS (OTR)
Intergovernmental - Leads the Department’s vision to support and enhance government-to-government relations
between USDA and Federally recognized Tribal governments;
• Advisor to the Secretary - Provides counsel to the Secretary on policies related to or impacting Indian
Tribes;
• Facilitator – Enables tribes, tribal governments, tribal organizations and individuals to access programs and
services within USDA and throughout Federal agencies;
• Catalyst – Streamlines processes and develops opportunities to address policy and program complexities,
programs and services that support the needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives; and,
• Consultation, Coordination and Collaboration Lead - Directs Department for the implementation of
Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,” including
thecontinualrenementoftheconsultationprocesstoensurerobustpartnershipsthatwillrespectand
preserve Tribal sovereignty.
The information provided includes the open grant portfolio that USDA offers at any point; USDA news;
upcoming Tribal consultations; and other event listings.
To receive USDA OTR e-mails. Send an e-mail to tribal.relations@usda.gov
In the subject line type: Subscribe to OTR e-mail list.
5.3.3 NATIONAL APPEALS DIVISION
TheNationalAppealsDivision(NAD)isresponsibleforprovidinghearingsforprogramparticipantswho
receive adverse decisions from the Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency, Natural Resources
Conservation Service, and Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Development Service, Rural
Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service. Filing an appeal provides an opportunity to present the dispute,
eitherfacetofaceoronthetelephone,toaNADHearingOfcer.
Contact: 1(877)487-3262
Website: https://www.nad.usda.gov/
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 61
5.3.4 OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CIVIL RIGHTS (OASCR)
OASCR provides policy guidance, leadership, coordination, and training, and complaint adjudication and
processing for the Department and its agencies. OASCR’s mission is to facilitate the fair and equitable treatment
of USDA customers and employees and ensure the delivery and enforcement of civil rights programs and
activities.Throughitsefforts,OASCRstrivesto:(1)fosterapositivecivilrightsclimateatUSDA;(2)process
EqualEmploymentOpportunity(EEO)andprogramcomplaintsinatimely,efcient,andcost-effective
manner;(3)reduceandpreventEEOandprogramcomplaintsthroughtrainingandguidance;and(4)offer
alternative dispute resolution services.
Contact: (202)720-3808
Website: https://www.ascr.usda.gov/
62 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
5.3.5 OFFICE OF PARTNERSHIPS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT (OPPE)
TheOfceofPartnershipsandPublicEngagement(OPPE)wasrecognizedinstatueintheAgricultural
ImprovementActof2018(2018FarmBill).Section12406ofthe2018FarmchangedthenameoftheOAO
to OPPE, and the duties previously delegated to OAO are now delegated to OPPE to rapidly expand customer
engagement,maximizeefciency,andimproveagencycollaboration.Theofcewasdelegatedtheoversightof
theOfceofAdvocacyandOutreach(OAO),theOfceofTribalRelations,theMilitaryVeteransAgricultural
Liaison, the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the Women in Agriculture initiative, and
the USDA Youth Programs and Agricultural Youth Organization Coordinator.
OPPE works to improve community access and equitable participation through the following program areas,
partnerships, and initiatives:
• Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
• Outreach and Assistance for Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
• Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
• 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities
• 1994 Tribal Land-Grant Colleges and Universities
• Hispanic-Serving Institutions
•OutreachandAssistancetoAsian-AmericanAndPacicIslanderProducers
• Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison
• Agricultural Youth Organization Coordinator
• Farmworker Coordinator
• The Women in Agriculture Initiative
• The Minority Farmer Advisory Committee
• The Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Advisory Committee
Website: https://www.usda.gov/partnerships
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 63
5.3.6 USDA 1994 THE OFFICE OF PARTNERSHIPS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT (OPPE)
Questions or issues e-mail: 1994@usda.gov
“Faculty and Staff” Listserv
Receive information regarding funding opportunities and informational resources available to TCUs:
• To subscribe to the TCU-Land Grant-Faculty Staff list send an e-mail to:
listserv@newsbox.usda.gov
• In the body of the blank e-mail type: TCU-LANDGRANT-FACULTYSTAFF
“Student Coordinators” Listserv
Receive information regarding student opportunities and informational resources.
• To subscribe to the TCU-Student-Coordinators list send an e-mail to:
listserv@newsbox.usda.gov
• In the body of the blank e-mail type: TCU-Student-Coordinators
5.3.7 USDA OFFICE OF SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION (OSDBU)
OSDBU is tasked with responsibility for fostering the use of small disadvantaged businesses as Federal
contractors. OSDBU provides Department-wide leadership in the implementation and execution of programs
under Sections 8 and 15 of the Small Business Act, as amended. OSDBU’s goal is to provide as much
information, guidance, and technical assistance as possible in order to assist the small business community in
increasing its competitiveness through increased participation in USDA’s procurement and program activities.
5.3.7.1 Federal Contract Opportunities for Small and Small Disadvantaged Businesses
Federal Small Business Set-aside Programs permit competition on certain solicitations among small businesses
only,includingtheSection8(A)Program,Service-DisabledVeteranOwnedSmallBusinessProgram,Small
Disadvantaged Business Program, and others.
Contact: (202)720-7117
Website: https://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/business/smallbiz.htm
64 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
5.3.7.2 Selling Agricultural Products to USDA
USDApurchasesavarietyof100%domesticallyproducedandprocessedcommodityfoodproducts.
These purchases support American agriculture by providing an outlet for surplus products and encouraging
consumption of domestically produced foods. The wholesome, high-quality products purchased by USDA—
collectively called USDA Foods—are delivered to tribal distribution organizations, schools, food banks, and
households in communities across the country, and are a vital component of our Nation’s food safety net.
Successful USDA Foods purchasing is a coordinated effort. The Agricultural Marketing Service
(AMS)developsproductsandpurchaseprogramtechnicalrequirements,managestheWeb-BasedSupply
ChainManagementSystem(WBSCM),andconductstheprocurements(solicitations,awards,andcontract
management)inaccordancewithFederalregulationsandUSDApolicy.TheFoodandNutritionService(FNS)
manages the food and nutrition assistance programs, including the Food Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations(FDPIR),NationalSchoolLunchProgram(NSLP),andTheEmergencyFoodAssistanceProgram
(TEFAP),generatingdemand(orders)fromqualiedrecipientsforvariousUSDAFoodsandcoordinatingwith
AMS on the purchase planning and scheduling.
AMS issues solicitations and makes purchases for over 200 different USDA Foods on an ongoing
basis. Approved USDA Vendors are invited to submit offers via WBSCM. We also host an annual meeting for
contractors and suppliers.
For detailed information on the process and becoming an approved USDA vendor, please visit: https://www.
ams.usda.gov/selling-food
SmallbusinessvendorswhoareinterestedinsellingfoodtoUSDAshouldcontacttheNewVendor/
SmallBusinessCoordinatorforassistance:CommodityProcurementStaff,Telephone:(202)720-4237or
NewVendor@usda.gov
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 65
5.4 Other
5.4.1 FOREST SERVICE WORKING WITH AMERICAN INDIANS AND NATIVE ALASKANS
Tribal relations in the USDA Forest Service crosscuts all Forest Service deputy and mission areas. Every day,
and in many ways, what we do in service to the Forest Service mission touches the peoples of American Indian
andAlaskaNativeTribalnations(Tribes)andtheresources,naturalandcultural,whichareimportanttothem.
It is the responsibility of every Forest Service employee to deliver the Forest Service’s trust responsibilities to
Tribes. We strive to be good neighbors, and we provide excellent customer service.
The USDA Tribal Relations Strategic Plan Fiscal Year 2019-2022 supports the Forest Service’s national
priorities and aligns with the USDA Secretary’s Strategic Goals. Further, the Tribal Relations Strategic Plan’s
outcome-orientedgoalsmatchthegoalsintheUSDAForestServiceStrategicPlan:FY2015–2020(Sustain
OurNation’sForestsandGrasslands,DeliverBenetstothePublic,ApplyKnowledgeGlobally,andExcel
asaHigh-PerformingAgency).Collectively,theseprioritiesandgoalswillguidetheessentialworkwemust
perform to respond to the needs and challenges faced by our forests and grasslands and demands from citizens.
ThisstrategicplanalsolinkstoandsupportstheForestServiceTribalRelationsManual(ForestService
Manual1560)andHandbook(ForestServiceHandbook1509.13)directivesandmanylegalauthorities.
Recognizing that Tribes and tribal communities help the Forest Service do a better job of accomplishing our
mission, this plan outlines a means for all Forest Service employees to better work and communicate with
tribal partners. It illustrates the balance the agency hopes to achieve between the many different—and at times
mutually exclusive— requirements for serving a diverse American public and tribal communities. It focuses
on developing the knowledge and skills that are vital to building and maintaining relationships with Tribes and
other partners important to facilitating the work we do every day.
Forfurtherinformationonspecicopportunities,pleaserefertosection4.3ConservationandForestry
5.4.2 RURAL DEVELOPMENT IS WORKING WITH AMERICAN INDIANS AND ALASKA NATIVES
RuralDevelopment(RD)placesahighvalueonit’srelationshipwithAI/AN,andwearecommittedto
expanding outreach and services throughout Indian Country and Alaska. We are collaborating and partnering
with Tribes to realize a brighter future for families, children, and communities. Through loans, grants, and
technical assistance, RD makes critical investments in infrastructure, housing, schools, health clinics, and
economicandcommunitydevelopment,tobenetNativefamiliesandcommunitiesacrossruralAmerica.
RDstrivestosupportAmericanAI/ANsinholistic,sustainable,andculturallyresponsiveways.EveryTribal
Nation has unique assets as well as distinct challenges. Maximizing the potential of these assets and addressing
local challenges can only happen in an environment where relationships and trust provide a foundation for true
partnership and collaboration.
RD understands that the legal, regulatory, and governmental infrastructure, the methods of doing business, and
culture are unique to each Tribal Nation. We recognize that Tribes are distinct. RD staff strive to understand
those distinctions and tailor our services, loans, and grants to be responsive to each Tribe’s circumstances and
vision for development.
We are committed to Tribal-led community and economic development that respects Tribal sovereignty and
honors Tribal self-determination to meet the needs of current and future generations. Priorities for our work
with Tribes include:
• The well-being of individuals, families, children, and military veterans;
• Access to safe, affordable housing, including homeownership and home repair programs;
• Strong workforce development through sustainable economic development;
• Financing of essential community facilities, including public safety infrastructure, health and educational
facilities;
66 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
• Access to clean water and sanitation systems; and
• The provision of affordable and reliable utilities, including electric, renewable energy, telecommunications
and broadband
Through Rural Development’s programs, American Indians and Alaska Natives are able to access capital,
expand markets, start-up and grow businesses, and improve food production and distribution. These tools help
Tribes create and sustain thriving communities, strong families, and healthy children who are well-prepared to
contribute to their families, their community, and lay the foundation for future generations.
USDA Rural Development has experience in assisting Tribes and Tribal members within unique regulatory,
legal,nancial,andlandtenurecircumstances,suchas:
• Collateral options for projects on Trust lands and a variety of revenue streams;
• Tribal legal and regulatory structures for business, infrastructure, and housing development, including
commercial codes, foreclosure and eviction codes, land leases, and leasehold mortgaging; and
• WorkingalongsideandsupportingTribalCommunityDevelopmentFinancialInstitutions(CDFI),lending
and investment institutions, and other Tribal stakeholders.
AlthoughmostofRuralDevelopment’sprogramswerenotspecicallydesignedforTribes—andregulatory,
budget, and staff limitations can be challenging—we strive to forge new strategic partnerships with Tribes
tondcreativesolutionstosuchchallenges,throughongoingcollaboration,strongworkingrelationships,
thoughtful dialogue, consultation, and planning.
TolearnmoreaboutUSDARuralDevelopment’sprogramsandtondlocalandnationalofcecontact
information, direct your browser to www.rd.usda.gov. We look forward to hearing from you!
5.4.3 EXTENSION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
CooperativeExtensionServiceofcesareconvenientlylocatedincourthouses,postofces,orotherlocal
government buildings to improve the quality of people’s lives by providing research-based knowledge to
strengthen the social, economic, and environmental well-being of families, communities, and agriculture
enterprises. Extension experts focus on, among other subjects, food safety and quality, the plight of young
children, revitalizing rural America, sustainable agriculture, and waste management.
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 67
5.4.3.1 Federally Recognized Tribal Extension
Extension Agents provide Extension education programs on the Indian Reservations and Tribal jurisdictions
ofFederallyrecognizedTribes.Prioritiesreectthefollowingnationalcriticalneedsareas:1) Development
ofsustainableenergy;2)Increasedglobalfoodsecurity;3)Adaptation/mitigationofagricultureandnatural
resourcestoaddressglobalclimatechange;4)Reductionofchildhoodandadolescentobesity;and5)Improved
food safety.
Contactyourlocal1862or1890Land-GrantUniversitytondoutifaFRTEPagentservesyourregion.
5.4.3.2 1994 Land-Grant Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUS) Extension
Tribal College Extension supports informal, community-based learning such as farmer education, youth
development, and rural entrepreneurship. Each of the 1994 TCUs provide Extension education programs.
5.4.3.3 Intertribal Agricultural Council Technical Assistance Network
Through collaboration between the OTR and the Intertribal Agriculture Council, the Intertribal Technical
Assistance Network was established to increase access and use of USDA programs and services by Indian
producers and Tribes.
Agency:AnimalandPlantHealthInspectionService(APHIS)
Eligibility: Summer youth program 14 – 17 years old. Internships – College Students
Key Dates: Start dates varies.
Contact:APHISNationalTribalLiaisonTerryClarkat(301)440-4388orTerry.W.Clark@aphis.usda.gov,or
AssistantNationalTribalLiaisonCarlEtsittyat(970)494-7573orCarl.Etsitty@usda.gov.
Website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/tribalrelations/native-youth
5.4.3.4 Safeguarding Natural Heritage (SNH)
UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture(USDA),AnimalandPlantHealthInspectionService(APHIS)has
collaboratedwithTribalcollegesanduniversities(TCUs),andotherNativeAmericanServingInstitutions
(NASIs),todeliverSafeguardingNaturalHeritage(SNH),a2-weeksummeroutreachprogramthathelps
students ages 14-17 explore careers in plant and animal science, wildlife management, and agribusiness.
Studentsparticipateinhands-onlabs,workshops,discussiongroups,eldtrips,andcharacter-andteam-
building activities led by Tribal elders, practitioners, and professionals, university professors, and U.S.
Government scientists while living on a college campus. Students chosen to participate in SNH pay only the
costoftransportationtoandfromthecollege/universitycampus.Allothercosts—includingtuition,roomand
board, and laboratory supplies—will be covered by APHIS. Furthermore, APHIS have partnered with several
TCUs and other NASIs to offer internship opportunities for college students. Successful applicants receive
apaid,8-weeksummerpositionwithAPHISaroundthecountry.It’sachancetogainvaluable,rst-hand
experience in APHIS’ day-to-day work, as well as insights into public service and working for a Federal agency.
(406)259-3525
info@indianaglink.com
http://www.indianaglink.com/
68 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
5.4.4 TRIBAL YOUTH
5.4.4.1 The USDA Tribal Youth Guide
The USDA Tribal Youth Guide provides information on USDA programs and resources available that directly
impact Tribal Youth. The USDA Tribal Youth Guide is available as a .pdf online at https://www.usda.gov/our-
agency/staff-ofces/ofce-tribal-relations.
Please direct questions about the guide to:
USDAOfceofTribalRelations
(202)205-2249
triba[email protected]v
https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/staff-ofces/ofce-tribal-relations-otr
5.4.4.2 Internship and Scholarship Opportunities for 1994 Land-Grant Tribal College and University
Students.
Faculty and staff interested in developing opportunities for their students at USDA please contact:
USDA 1994 Tribal Land-Grant Colleges and Universities Program
(202)720-7265
1994@usda.gov
https://www.outreach.usda.gov/education/1994tlgcu/
5.4.5 INVOLVEMENT IN USDA BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
You can be the native voice on USDA Advisory Boards and Committees. Even when Boards and Advisory
Committees are not actively seeking new members, you can apply at any time to be eligible for consideration
when the next position is available.
5.4.5.1 USDA Advisory Boards and Committees
This comprehensive list of USDA Boards and Advisory Committees, as well as, links to the Federal Advisory
Committee’s Database for USDA committees, and the database for Federal Advisory Committees across the
Federal Government can be found at https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/staff-ofces/ofce-executive-secretariat-
oes/advisory-committees
5.4.5.2 How to Submit a Nomination for Advisory Committee Membership
USDA is seeking nominations for all of its committees. Over 4,000 opportunities to serve on advisory
committees are routinely available as the term of each member expires. USDA is interested in a wide range of
professionals including scientists, representatives of interest groups, educators, and business leaders. Individuals
and organizations who wish to nominate experts for any USDA advisory committee should submit a letter to the
Secretary listing these individuals’ names and business address, phone, and e-mail contact information. These
individuals may be contacted to determine their interest in serving as a committee member.
Candidates who wish to be considered for any committee should submit an Application for Advisory
Committee Membership https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/staff-ofces/ofce-executive-secretariat-oes/
advisory-committees(theapplicationcanbefoundonlineatthiswebsite)andresumetotheSecretaryof
Agriculture. Cover letters should be addressed to the Secretary of Agriculture.
All nomination materials should be mailed in a single, complete package to: Secretary, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250.
For more information about USDA’s Advisory Committees, contact: CikenaReid,WhiteHouseLiaisonOfce
Phone:(202)720-2406, cikena.reid@usda.gov
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 69
5.4.5.3 Farm Service Agency County Committees
TheFarmServiceAgency(FSA)providesanancialsafetynetforAmerica’sfarmersandranchers,helps
sustain economically viable agricultural production, and assists with expanding stewardship of America’s
natural resources. Farmers and ranchers who are elected to serve on FSA County Committees apply their
judgment and knowledge to help with the decisions necessary to administer FSA programs in their counties,
ensuring the needs of local producers are met.
FSA County Committee Election information can be found at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-room/county-
committee-elections/
Nomination forms can be requested at the local USDA Service Center https://ofces.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/
app or found online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections
5.4.5.4 Natural Resources Conservation Service: A Seat at the Table for Conservation Policy
How Can I Participate?
Doyouhaveaninterestinsoil,water,air,plants,wetlands,wildlife,andagriculture?Doyouwanttosupport
voluntarynaturalresourcemanagementbylandownersandmanagersonprivatelands?Areyouwillingto
workwithnaturalresourceexpertsfromaroundtheState?ThenconsiderservingonaU.S.Departmentof
Agriculture(USDA)NaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS)StateTechnicalCommitteetohelpguide
national conservation programs that address local needs.
Individuals and groups can receive more information on serving as a State Technical Committee member by
writingtotheNRCSStateConservationistforthatStateanddescribingtheirqualicationsformembership.
NRCS State Conservationists determine who will serve on the Committee. Individuals and groups can
participate by providing input to the conservation district through their local conservation needs assessment
process. Conservation districts gather this feedback not only to direct their own programs, but also to share with
their Local Work Group.
What Are State Technical Committees and Local Work Groups?
The1985FarmBill(FoodSecurityAct)establishedStateTechnicalCommitteestoadviseNRCSinmaking
technical decisions related to the implementation of the Act’s conservation provisions. The role of the
committeeswasexpandedbythe1996FarmBill(FederalAgricultureImprovementandReformAct).These
Committees offer an opportunity for interested individuals and groups to advise NRCS on how best to locally
implement conservation programs.
“Their[Statetechnicalcommittee]involvementcanhelpNRCSassurethatlimitednancialandtechnical
assistance is targeted to priority natural resource concerns and the conservation needs of people at all levels are
considered.” NRCS State Conservationist and State Technical Committee Chair
Local Work Groups make recommendations to the State Technical Committee on local technical and
conservation issues. These recommendations are based on resource needs assessments that are developed
by conservation districts through community and stakeholder input. Local Work Groups support districts’
locally led efforts by coordinating USDA programs to help provide an integrated solution to addressing natural
resource concerns. In keeping with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Local Work Group membership is
limited to Government representatives. Community and stakeholder input, however, is open to all interested
citizens.
What Are the Roles of State Technical Committees and Local Work Groups?
State Technical Committees serve as an advisory body to the NRCS State Conservationist. They provide
recommendations on technical aspects of Farm Bill conservation programs, including:
• ConservationReserveProgram(CRP)
• FarmandRanchLandsProtectionProgram(FRPP)
• EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)
70 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
• WetlandsReserveProgram(WRP)
• WildlifeHabitatIncentivesProgram(WHIP)
• ConservationSecurityProgram(CSP)
• GrasslandReserveProgram(GRP)
They also may provide guidance on other technical matters, such as practices not already described in NRCS
eldofcetechnicalguides,criteriaforevaluatingandrankingprojects,costshareandincentivepaymentlevels,
and measures related to achieving a program balance regardless of agricultural sector or farm or ranch size.
Committee input also is sought on information and outreach strategies. NRCS State Conservationists determine
specicitemsand/orissuesforCommitteereviewsandrecommendations.LocalWorkGroupsensurethat
a conservation needs assessment is developed, submit priorities and funding requests to the State Technical
Committee, and conduct Civil Rights impact analyses for all funding requests and program implementation.
Can You Be a Member of the State Technical Committee?
State Technical Committee meetings are open to the public, and members of the public are welcome to attend
and offer their input. Usual membership, however, includes one representative from the following Federal
agencies:
USDA:
• NRCS
• Farm Service Agency
• FSA State Committee
• Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
• Rural Development
• Forest Service
Department of the Interior:
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Bureau of Reclamation
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• U.S. Geological Survey
• Bureau of Land Management
Department of Defense:
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Committees also include members from State agencies such as a State’s Department of Natural
Resources(asidentiedbytheNRCSStateConservationist)andeachFederallyrecognizedtribalgovernment
that encompasses 100,000 acres or more in a State.
Membership also may include private interests such as individuals with conservation expertise, agricultural
producers,non-protorganizations,personsknowledgeableaboutconservationtechniquesandprograms,and
representatives from agribusiness. NRCS also seeks members with natural resource conservation experience
specictohistoricallyunderservedgroupsandindividuals,e.g.,minorities,women,personswithdisabilities,
and socially and economically disadvantaged groups. NRCS State Conservationists determine the formal
composition of the Committee.
What Is Expected of a State Technical Committee Member?
Committee members are expected to attend all meetings, which typically range from quarterly to annually.
Many are scheduled based on need as determined by the NRCS State Conservationist. Members also may be
asked to participate in subcommittees for a more in-depth study of programs, processes, and resource issues.
Committees range in size from 14 to more than 200 individuals. The most successful Committees follow a
meeting agenda, listen as well as voice their opinions, and recognize that the Committee serves to provide
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 71
advice to the NRCS State Conservationist who makes his or her decisions as the designated Federal authority.
Although the Committee has no implementation or enforcement authority, NRCS gives serious consideration to
Committee advice. Committee members are volunteers and receive no reimbursement for their participation.
Where Can I Find Information About My State Technical Committee?
Many State Web sites provide information about their State Technical Committee. Contact information is
available on State Web sites at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/organization/regions.html
What Are Tribal Conservation Districts?
The primary objective of the tribal conservation districts is to support tribal efforts to provide for the utilization,
protection,conservationandrestorationofreservationlandsforthebenetofthecommunityinapartnership
effort with USDA and NRCS. Tribal conservation districts provide a local voice in leadership efforts to
addressnaturalresourcesneedsandconcernsbyprovidingassistancetolandowners/usersandmanagers
in the conservation and wise use of land and natural resources. They also provide leadership for intra-tribal
coordination between tribal governments, tribal natural resource managers and coordinate assistance from
NRCS and other Federal, State, local, and private sources. Working with the Intertribal Agricultural Council
(IAC)andIndianNationsConservationAlliance(INCA),NRCShasassistedwiththeestablishmentof33
Tribal Conservation Districts.
5.5 Applying for Federal Grants
5.5.1 GRANTS.GOV
A prospective applicant, can use the “Search Grants” function to navigate through opportunities and settle on
the right funding opportunity announcement for you. Once you select on a funding opportunity to apply for,
there are two high-level steps, in addition to your own application development processes, to work on before
submitting your application in Grants.gov:
1. Register to apply for grants
2. Complete your application
Registering to apply for grants on Grants.gov includes several steps and types of registration, including DUNS,
SAM.gov, and Grants.gov accounts. Grants.gov has pages dedicated to walking you through the Organization
Registration and Individual Registration processes under the Applicants tab. It’s not a highly complex process,
but it can take 1 to 3 weeks to complete, so please register as early as you can. Do not allow yourself to miss the
application deadline because you waited until the last week to try to register.
For more information, please visit: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/outreach/about-grants-gov.html
72 USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES
5.6 Policies relevant to USDA and Tribal Nations
5.6.1 MEMORANDUMS
5.6.1.1 Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation. November 5, 2009.
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-ofce/memorandum-tribal-consultation-signed-president
5.6.2 DEPARTMENTAL REGULATIONS (DR)
5.6.2.1 USDA DR 1350-002 - Tribal Consultation, Coordination, and Collaboration. January 18, 2013.
http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations/documents/policy/consultation/Final_DR.pdf
5.6.3 EXECUTIVE ORDERS (E.O.)
5.6.3.1 E.O. 13007 - Indian Sacred Sites – Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
http://www.achp.gov/EO13007.html
5.6.3.2 E.O. 13175 - Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. November 6,
2000.
Executive Order 13175 - Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2000-11-09/pdf/00-29003.pdf
5.6.3.3 E.O. 13592 - Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Educational Opportunities and
Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities. December 2, 2011.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-ofce/2011/12/02/executive-order-13592-improving-american-indian-and-
alaska-native-educat
5.6.3.4 E.O. 13647 - Establishing the White House Council on Native American Affairs. June 26,
2013.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-ofce/2013/06/26/executive-order-establishing-white-house-council-
native-american-affairs
USDA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR AMERICAN INDIANS & ALASKA NATIVES 73
5.7 Additional Resources
• BusinessUSA: This is a centralized, one-stop platform designed to make it easier than ever for businesses
to access services to help them grow and hire. https://business.usa.gov/
• Local and Regional Food Systems: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/food-sector
• Native One Stop: https://www.nativeonestop.gov/ NativeOneStop.gov is a one-stop shop for American
Indians and Alaska Natives to access resources available from the U.S. Government.
• New Farmers: https://newfarmers.usda.gov/
• Start a Partnership with the USDA Forest Service or Obtain Federal Financial Assistance,
a Guide for Tribal Governments. http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations/documents/tools/
StartPartnershipTribalGuide.pdf.
• USDA Forest Service Tribal Relations Strategic Plan Fiscal Year 2019-2022, Forest Service Tribal
Relations: Sovereign Partners in Shared Stewardship: https://www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations/
documents/plan/USDA-FS-TribalRelationsStrategicPlanFY2019-2022.pdf
• Forest Service Research and Development Tribal Engagement Roadmap:
https://www.fs.fed.us/research/docs/tribal-engagement/consultation/roadmap.pdf
•ForestServiceResearchandDevelopmentTribalEngagementRoadmapHighlightsReport:https://www.
fs.fed.us/sites/default/les/fs_media/fs_document/5082_tribalrd.pdf
• Urban Agriculture Toolkit: http://www.usda.gov/documents/urban-agriculture-toolkit.pdf
• Writing a Successful Grant Proposal (Purdue University Extension Guide)
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ec/ec-737.pdf
To learn more about USDA and the many ways we serve the American people every day, please visit www.usda.
gov
InaccordancewithFederalcivilrightslawandU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)civilrightsregulationsandpolicies,the
USDA,itsAgencies,ofces,andemployees,andinstitutionsparticipatinginoradministeringUSDAprogramsareprohibitedfrom
discriminatingbasedonrace,color,nationalorigin,religion,sex,genderidentity(includinggenderexpression),sexualorientation,
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retaliationforpriorcivilrightsactivity,inanyprogramoractivityconductedorfundedbyUSDA(notallbasesapplytoallprograms).
Remediesandcomplaintlingdeadlinesvarybyprogramorincident.
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