The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions. In a recent conversation with OFRF, we explored the history of Federal Indian Policy, its lasting impacts on food sovereignty, and the intersections with organic agriculture.

Organic farmers deserve a seat at the table. OFRF and the National Organic Coalition are urging USDA’s NRCS to better support organic practices in key conservation standards—and your voice can help make it happen. Submit a comment by July 30 using our simple tool and speak up for soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Researchers have a powerful role to play in policy conversations and Dr. Renata Nave Oakes, is a great example. A researcher at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Oakes recently met with Congressmen Burchett and Ogles to share how she is using the Organic Transitions Program to research how to improve soil health, reduce weed pressure, enhance nitrogen availability through biological fixation, and ultimately make organic corn production more profitable and practical for farmers.