THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 44 | APRIL 2024 Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff. that tribes and tribal producers were frequently underserved by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, which are created and authorized through farm bill measures.16 As a result of IAC’s efforts, the 1990 Farm Bill directed the secretary of Agriculture to consult with IAC in the development of reservation-based extension education programs intended to support local needs, including tribal production agriculture efforts.17 In the ensuing years and subsequent farm bills, additional provisions have been added to further support tribal agriculture and food systems development.18 2018 FARM BILL The most recent farm bill in 2018 reflects funding mechanisms that result in the USDA being the conduit for the second largest federal funding transfer to Indian Country. Since 2018, between $3.6 billion to $4 billion is annually conveyed to tribes, tribal producers, intertribal organizations and other entities receiving and administering services and programming in support of Indian Country food and agriculture systems. Despite the funding amounts, there is currently no formal means of tribal participation and influence over USDA budget recommendations and allocations.19 Therefore, legislative advocacy is critical for Indian Country to secure support for continued investment and stabilization of tribal food and agriculture systems. In 2017, IAC partnered with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (Shakopee) and the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) as the policy and research partner to form the Native Farm Bill Coalition (NFBC) in the lead-up to the 2018 Farm Bill.20 In contemplation of NFBC advocacy efforts, the Shakopee, through their Seeds of Native Health campaign, commissioned the IFAI to draft a report encapsulating Indian Country’s priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill. The IFAI hosted a series of roundtables to solicit input and feedback from tribes, tribal communities and tribal producers regarding the successes and challenges experienced in tribal food and agriculture efforts and any specific changes or additions to the 2018 Farm Bill.21 The ensuing report, titled “Regaining Our Future,” formed the foundation of NFBC advocacy and engagement, ensuring that Indian Country’s priorities were uplifted to Congress and received due consideration in 2018 Farm Bill efforts.22 Due in large part to the efforts of the NFBC, the 2018 Farm Bill is the most tribally inclusive farm bill to date. Sixty-three tribally specific provisions expanded program access, improved tribal parity in treatment as a state or other authorized entity, increased technical assistance and outreach to Indian Country, improved tribal access to funding and increased sourcing and market opportunities for
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