Letter From the Secretary of Agriculture 1

Letter From the Director of Native American Programs 3

Preface 5

Introduction 7

Office of Congressional Relations 9

Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs Programs 9

Office of Native American Programs 9

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 11

Office of Civil Rights 12

Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center 12

Office of Outreach 13

Departmental Administration 15

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization . . . . . . .15

Federal Small Business Programs 16

Natural Resources and Environment 19

Natural Resources Conservation Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Forest Service 30

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services 39

Farm Service Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Risk Management Agency 53

Foreign Agricultural Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Rural Development 59

Utilities Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Housing and Community Facilities Program 64

Business and Cooperative Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Community Development Programs 72

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services 75

Food and Nutrition Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion 82

Food Safety 85

Food Safety and Inspection Service 85

 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Contents
Research, Education, and Economics 93

Agricultural Research Service 94

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service 95

Economic Research Service 105

National Agricultural Library 106

National Agricultural Statistics Service 107

Marketing and Regulatory Programs 109

Agricultural Marketing Service 110

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 111

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration 118

Bibliography 119

Appendixes 127

Appendix 1:

President Bush’s Executive Memorandum on 

Government-to-Government Relations With 

Native American Tribal Governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Appendix 2:

USDA Departmental Regulation 1340-006:

Policies on American Indians and Alaska Natives . . . . . . . . . 128

ii American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Contents
 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Letter from the Secretary of Agriculture

United States Department of Agriculture

Office of the Secretary

Washington, D.C. 20250

 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Letter from the Director of 

Native American Programs

February 2007

Dear Colleague: 

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have 

made it a priority to work with tribal governments, individual tribal members, and Alaskan 

Natives to ensure that members of these groups benefit fully from the numerous USDA

programs available to them. Accordingly, USDA has developed American Indians and Alaska 

Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs for use by American Indian and Alaska Native tribal 

leaders and members, planners, community leaders, producers, and others who wish to utilize 

USDA programs in their work with members of their respective communities.

USDA Programs span a wide range of areas, including food safety; international trade; housing; 

rural development; energy; telecommunications; food marketing; school lunches; women’s 

infant’s, and children’s nutrition; food distribution centers; crop insurance; farmers’ markets; 

animal and plant health; and farm loans, in addition to many other areas. Thus, I encourage you 

to be innovative in thinking about how you can best utilize USDA’s diverse resources to better 

serve your community and to help USDA assist you in achieving your goals. 

An excellent example of innovative thinking was shown recently by University of Montana 

personnel who worked with tribal leaders and staff members of USDA’s Food Safety and 

Inspection Service to create a brief videotape on food preparation and food safety. The video, 

which has been shown at pow-wows, stomp dances, community meetings, and many other 

events, helps build awareness of safe food preparation techniques and proper methods of food 

handling at large gatherings. Many other examples of innovative use of USDA programs exist, 

and it is my sincere hope that this Guide will help inspire the development of a great many 

more. 

Special thanks are due them members of the USDA Native American Working Group for their 

contributions to the Guide and to interns Jacqueline Beckel, Vannessa Chicharello, and Dallas 

Lopez for their outstanding help in its development. A special “thank you” also goes to the 

Intertribal Agriculture Council for its Assistance with the project.

Again, thank you for your interest in the Guide. I hope you will find it an informative and 

helpful resource. 

Sincerely,

Patrick Atagi

Director

Office of Native American Programs

United States Department of Agriculture

Office of the Secretary

Washington, D.C. 20250

American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs is a 

reference for American Indian and Alaska Native tribal leaders and members, 

planners, community leaders, producers, and others who work with American 

Indians and Alaska Natives on any of the numerous USDA programs available to the 

Native American community. The Guide is intended as a resource for decisionmakers 

seeking to identify USDA programs that will best serve an individual or community’s 

needs as well as for facilitating improved access to USDA programs and services.

President George W. Bush’s Administration continues to work with tribal governments, providing American Indians and Alaska Natives with new economic and 

educational opportunities. Indian education programs remain a priority, so that no 

American child—and no Native American child—is left behind.

The Bush Administration has worked hard to see that Native Americans have access 

to economic and educational opportunities, investing more than $177 million in 

distance learning and telemedicine programs so that 3,635 rural education facilities 

could expand their access to modern telecommunications technology and 1,650 health 

care institutions could develop technologies needed to enhance local medical care. 

The Administration has also taken the following steps to enhance partnerships with 

Indian tribes:

President Bush signed an Executive Memorandum on July 3, 2002, for tribal 

colleges and universities, ensuring that his administration will continue to 

maintain a close relationship with Indian tribes.

The President established the Klamath River Basin Federal Working Group on 

March 1, 2002, to address concerns among the tribes as well as farmers and 

fishermen about the drought in the basin.

President Bush signed an Executive Memorandum on September 23, 2004, 

reiterating his Administration’s adherence to a government-to-government 

relationship and support for tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

In President Bush’s 2005 proclamation of National American Indian Heritage Month, 

he announced a move to enhance energy opportunities and a desire to strengthen 

tribal economies. The President also stated that his administration is working to ease 

the barriers associated with tribal energy development. The President signed the 

Energy Policy Act of 2005, which allocated $2 billion in the form of grants, loans, 

and loan guarantees for exploration, development, and production of energy to 

ensure that the latest technologies are being used throughout the United States.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is finalizing $3 

million in funds for States and tribes to conduct field trials in animal identification. 

APHIS has already awarded $27 million in funds to States and Tribes to advance the 

National Animal Identification Initiative.

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 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Preface
In his 2001 proclamation for National American Indian Heritage Month, President 

Bush stated, 

Since our Nation’s birth, pluralism and diversity have been hallmarks of the 

American experience and success. In 1782, the Founding Fathers chose as our 

national motto “E Pluribus Unum,” which means “out of many, one.” Today, 

America’s unity, derived from a mix of many diverse cultures and people, grandly 

embodies the vision expressed by our Founders. American Indian and Alaska 

Native cultures have made remarkable contributions to our national identity. 

Their unique spiritual, artistic, and literary contributions, together with their 

vibrant customs and celebrations, enliven and enrich our land. 

President Bush believes that education is the key to a successful nation, and that is 

why he has provided Indian nations with funds for school construction and signed 

an Executive Order to help Indian children and college students reach their highest 

potential through education. 

On September 21, 2004, the Nation celebrated the opening of the National Museum 

of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. On September 23, 

2004, in honor of the opening of the Museum, President Bush welcomed a number of 

tribal leaders, congressional representatives, Government officials, and others to the 

White House, stating: 

The National Museum of Indian Affairs affirms that this young country is home 

to an ancient, noble and enduring native culture. And all Americans are proud 

of that culture. Like many Indian dwellings, the new museum building faces east, 

toward the rising sun. And as we celebrate this new museum and we look to the 

future, we can say that the sun is rising on Indian country. 

USDA is pleased to offer this Guide for the use of Native American and Alaska 

Native communities throughout the Nation.

 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Preface
American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs describes 

the vast array of USDA programs and services available to American Indian 

and Alaska Native communities. As we look into the future, it is important 

to acknowledge the past and to identify historical highlights of American Indian 

agriculture and the contributions that American Indian farmers have made not only 

to the United States but also to the world. These highlights provide an important 

context for American Indian agriculture today and suggest how USDA can work in 

partnership with Indian tribes on a government-to-government basis to further the 

development of American Indian and Alaska Native agriculture.

Indians were the first farmers in North America, and agriculture has been a mainstay 

of the American Indian culture and economy for thousands of years. In fact, the 

Indians of Central America and Mexico were engaged in agriculture 7,000 years 

before Europeans settled in the present-day United States. 

Archaeological evidence indicates that American Indians began farming in what later 

became the continental United States by 5000 B.C., using indigenous agricultural 

practices as well as practices learned from Mexican and Central American cultures. 

By A.D. 1000, American Indian farmers had developed a productive and complex 

agricultural system based on corn, beans, and squash, commonly referred to as the 

“three sisters.” These American Indian farmers were primarily women; the men 

hunted and fished.

There has been variety in American Indian agriculture and economies. Before 

contact with European civilization, American Indians in the Northern United States 

cultivated the river valleys and flood plains with bones, wooden hoes, and digging 

sticks. American Indian women raised traditional crops consisting of beans, squash, 

and many varieties of corn—the most important crop. Furthermore, in the upper 

Great Lakes, the Ojibwa (Chippewa) and the Assiniboine sowed, harvested, dried, 

threshed, and stored wild rice. Over time, American Indian farmers in the Southern 

United States cultivated squash and bottle gourds and traded them in market centers.

American Indians used highly developed agricultural methods and practices. 

The Southwest Indian farmers developed a new type of corn, which provided the 

foundation for southwestern Indian civilization; cultivated several varieties of 

squash and beans; grew cotton; developed water-conservation practices; and used 

several methods of irrigation. From A.D. 800 to 1400, the Hohokam Indians in the 

Southwest, called the “canal builders,” constructed major systems of irrigation canals 

that were 150 miles long or more. Although the Plains Indians relied mainly on 

hunting and gathering, by A.D. 1000 the Indians of the central Plains practiced welldeveloped agriculture—with corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, and tobacco being the 

important crops. 

R. Douglas Hurt, writing on “The Native American Experience” in American 

Agriculture: A Brief History, states:

 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Introduction
In retrospect, the history of Indian agriculture is the story of supreme achievement. Nearly three millennia before the arrival of white settlers, Native American 

farmers learned to cultivate plants of local and Mesoamerican origins. They 

discovered how to select the seeds that would yield maximum harvests in local 

soil and climatic conditions. By so doing, they made great strides toward farming 

in harmony with nature.

When Hernando DeSoto’s expedition landed on the coast of Florida in 1539, his 

food supply was nearly depleted. American Indian agriculture was so bountiful that 

the Spaniards appropriated a 3-month supply of corn from the fields, enabling the 

expedition to continue. Later, the American Indian farmers showed European settlers 

which plants to cultivate, particularly corn, beans, pumpkins, and tobacco, and how 

to make maple sugar and prepare hominy.

American Indian agriculture has had a significant effect on agriculture and the 

economy worldwide. Jack Weatherford, in his book Indian Givers: How the Indians 

of the Americas Transformed the World, pointed out that Indians cultivated more than 

300 food crops and contributed to the world three-fifths of the crops now in cultivation. The Indian farmers of North and South America gave the world corn, potatoes, 

sweet potatoes, tomatoes, beans, pumpkins, squash, chocolate, vanilla, papayas, 

persimmons, jicama, pecans, chilies, hickory nuts, peanuts, cassava, sunflower seeds, 

maple syrup, tapioca, and avocados.

American Indian agricultural crops have spread from American farmers to farmers 

in other parts of the world. Today, farmers grow corn over a larger area of the world 

than any other cultivated food. The white potato spread from Bolivia and Peru to 

Ireland and across Europe to Russia, providing more calories and nutrition per acre 

than any grain. Corn and cassava contributed to the increase in Africa’s population 

in the nineteenth century and throughout the twentieth century. Sweet potatoes and 

corn were cultivated in areas in Asia where rice did not grow. Farmers grew corn, 

sweet potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, and chilies in new areas of China. Today, many 

countries are economically dependent on these American Indian crops.

Clearly, American Indians’ historic agricultural achievements have made important 

contributions to the United States and the world. These accomplishments provide an 

instructive perspective on USDA’s government-to-government relations with Indian 

tribes.

USDA programs and services available to members of American Indian and Alaska 

Native tribes are described in the following pages. USDA administers these programs 

through seven mission areas: Natural Resources and Environment; Farm and Foreign 

Agricultural Services; Rural Development; Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services; 

Food Safety; Research, Education, and Economics; and Marketing and Regulatory 

Programs. USDA staff offices supporting USDA in implementing programs in all 

of these areas include the Office of Congressional Relations’ Office of External and 

Intergovernmental Relations, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 

and Departmental Administration, as well as other offices. 

 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Introduction
The Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Congressional Relations 

serves as the Department’s liaison with members of Congress and their 

staffs. This office also works closely with the members and staffs of various 

House and Senate Committees—including the House Agriculture Committee and the 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry—to communicate USDA’s 

legislative agenda and budget proposals.

The Office of Congressional Relations includes the Office of External and 

Intergovernmental Relations and, within it, the Office of Native American Programs. 

Each of these offices and its activities is described briefly below.

Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs 

The Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs (OEIA) is USDA’s liaison 

with State, local, and tribal governments and with national organizations representing these constituents. OEIA responds to inquiries and requests from officials of 

these groups either directly or through the appropriate government agencies. OEIA 

also facilitates meetings between such groups and USDA officials and serves as a 

clearinghouse for information related to USDA’s operations and services.

Office of Native American Programs

USDA’s interaction with Indian tribes is governed by the President’s Executive 

Memorandum on Government-to-Government Relations with Native American 

Tribal Governments (Appendix 1) and by USDA’s Departmental Regulation 1340-

006, “Policies on American Indians and Alaska Natives” (Appendix 2). USDA’s 

“Policies on American Indians and Alaska Natives” states that the Office of Native 

American Programs has primary responsibility for coordinating USDA programs 

serving American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The position of Director of Native American Programs is located under the Office of 

the Secretary in the Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs. The Director 

of Native American Programs, who serves as USDA’s primary contact with tribal 

governments and their members, is responsible for:

Serving as the principal adviser and representative on all matters related to USDA 

policies and programs that affect and are available to American Indians and 

Alaska Natives. 

Meeting with tribal representatives regarding policy, program delivery, and 

services to Indian tribes; facilitating opportunities for tribal representatives to 

meet with the Secretary of Agriculture and other USDA officials; and providing 

appropriate staff assistance. 

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 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Office of Congressonal Relations
Working with the Office of Congressional Relations and the Office of External 

and Intergovernmental Affairs, with the USDA mission areas, and with USDA’s 

Office of Communications to develop materials and communicate information 

about USDA programs and services directly to all federally recognized Indian 

tribes, intertribal organizations, and the American Indian and Alaska Native news 

media. 

Chairing USDA’s Native American Working Group, which reports to the 

Secretary. The Native American Working Group provides advice, support, and 

other assistance to the Director to help coordinate and guide USDA policies and 

programs that affect Indian tribes. 

Participating in meetings, conferences, and events conducted by Indian tribes, 

national and regional intertribal organizations, USDA, and other Federal 

Government departments. 

Participating in subgroups of the Working Group on American Indians and Alaska 

Natives, which President Bush established as part of the White House Office 

of Intergovernmental Affairs. The purpose of the working group is to share and 

coordinate information on Indian tribes and programs, to provide a forum for 

resolution of issues among Federal agencies, to ensure the implementation of 

Presidential directives on American Indian policy, and to promote initiatives to 

better serve Indian tribes and their members. 

Additional Information

Whom To Contact: Director of Native American Programs, Office of External and 

Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of Congressional Relations, USDA, Room 544-A, 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-690-1615; 

fax: 202-720-7170; e-mail: Patrick.Atagi@usda.gov).

Administering Agency: Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs, USDA, 

Room 219-A, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 

20250 (telephone: 202-720-6643).

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Office of Congressional Relations
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR), an office 

authorized by Section 10704 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 

of 2002 (“Farm Bill”), is the key advisor to the Secretary on matters concerning civil rights and equal employment opportunity as it relates to employment and 

delivery of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services. 

The ASCR is responsible for ensuring that all agencies and programs of the 

Department are in compliance with all civil rights and related laws; for coordinating 

the administration of civil rights laws and regulations for employees and participants 

of USDA programs; and for ensuring that necessary and appropriate civil rights 

components are properly incorporated into all strategic planning initiatives within the 

Department. 

In addition, the ASCR works to ensure that all aspects of the President’s 

Management Agenda Initiatives—Strategic Management of Human Capital, 

Competitive Sourcing, Improved Financial Performance, Expanded Electronic 

Government, and Budget and Performance Integration—are implemented within the 

organization.

ASCR is composed of the Office of Civil Rights; the Conflict Prevention and 

Resolution Center; and the Office of Outreach. Each of these offices and its activities 

is described briefly below.

11 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Office of Civil Rights

The Office of Civil Rights provides coordination and leadership for the Department 

in the civil rights arena, implements and interprets civil rights policies established 

in conjunction with the ASCR, provides technical assistance and training to USDA 

agencies, oversees compliance with civil rights laws and regulations, and investigates, adjudicates, and resolves administrative complaints of discrimination brought 

by USDA employees and customers.

It is the policy of USDA that all employees and customers shall be free from reprisal 

or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, political beliefs, parental status, 

receipt of public assistance, or protected genetic information (not all bases apply to 

all programs). No person is to be subjected to prohibited discrimination in employment or in programs conducted by USDA or programs that receive Federal financial 

assistance from USDA. 

Special Emphasis Programs 

The Special Emphasis Program Managers are located in the Office of Civil Rights. 

They coordinate special emphasis observance events, oversee affirmative employment activities, and assist with special projects such as compliance reviews and 

annual reports. The Special Emphasis Program Managers also have primary responsibility for completing the activities set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity 

Commission Management Directive 715 for achieving a Model EEO Program.

Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center

The Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center (CPRC) helps USDA customers and 

employees to better handle conflict. The ultimate purpose of the CPRC is to resolve 

workplace and programmatic disputes. 

To reach this goal, the CPRC focuses on developing employee skills for managing 

conflict effectively and on using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods to 

resolve disputes. The CPRC works to increase the use of ADR in USDA by promoting awareness of its benefits, with emphasis on fairness, use of a neutral third party in 

the dispute resolution process, and confidentiality. Additional information is available 

on the ASCR Web site (http://www.ascr.usda.gov; use “CPRC” as a search term.)

12 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Office of Outreach 

The Office of Outreach provides national leadership and coordination for programs 

and services across USDA to ensure equal and timely access to USDA programs for 

all constituents, with emphasis on the underserved. The office works proactively with 

community and faith-based organizations, minority-serving colleges and universities, 

and other governmental agencies to promote partnerships and strategic solutions to 

outreach challenges. USDA outreach programs include the 1890 and 1994 programs, 

which are described below.

USDA/1890 Program

The USDA/1890 Program aims to:

Attract minority students into careers in agriculture and related fields, including 

food sciences and agricultural sciences.

Share expertise and resources in areas such as agricultural research, extension 

and teaching programs, technology development, limited-resource farmer and 

minority farmer programs, and rural development programs.

Increase the involvement of the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and Tuskegee 

University in the delivery of USDA programs. 

For additional information about the USDA/1890 Program, contact: USDA/1890 

Program, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9478, Washington, DC 20250 

(telephone: 202-205-5692; e-mail: 1890init@usda.gov).

USDA/1994 Program

The USDA/1994 Program aims to:

Attract American Indian students into careers in agriculture and related fields, 

including food and agricultural sciences.

Share expertise and resources in areas such as agricultural research, extension 

and teaching programs, technology development, limited-resource farmer and 

minority farmer programs, and rural development programs.

Increase the involvement of the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions in the delivery of 

USDA programs. 

For additional information about the USDA/1994 Land-Grant Institutions (Tribal 

Colleges) Program, contact: USDA/1994 Program Office, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9477, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-720-4679; 

fax: 202-205-3831).

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13 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Additional Information

Whom To Contact: Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Margo McKay, Office of 

the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Room 240W, Whitten Building, USDA, 

14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 

202-720-3808; fax: 202-690-1782; e-mail: Margo.McKay@usda.gov). Additional 

key contacts include Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Annabelle Romero 

(202-720-3808; Annabelle.Romero@usda.gov); Associate Assistant Secretary for 

Civil Rights Clyde Thompson (202-720-3808; Clyde.Thompson@usda.gov); Office 

of Civil Rights Director Sadhna True (202-720-5212; Sadhna.True@usda.gov); 

American Indian/Alaska Native Program Manager Richard Regan (202-720-1670; 

Richard.Regan@usda.gov); USDA/1994 Program Director Yolanda Garcia (202-

720-7265; Yolanda.Garcia@usda.gov); Office of Outreach Director Gladys Gary 

Vaughn (202-205-6350; Gladys.Vaughn@usda.gov); and Conflict Prevention and 

Resolution Center Director Dale Gentry (202-720-4040; Dale.Gentry@usda.gov).

Administering Agency: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Room 

240-W, Whitten Building, USDA, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-720-3808; fax: 202-690-1782; Web site: 

http://www.ascr.usda.gov). 

14 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Departmental Administration is USDA’s central administrative management organization. It provides support to policy officials of the Department 

as well as overall direction and coordination for USDA administrative 

programs and services. In addition, Departmental Administration manages the USDA 

Headquarters Complex and provides direct customer service to Washington, D.C.-

area USDA employees. 

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

The USDA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), 

located within Departmental Administration, was established on June 26, 1979, 

and tasked with responsibility for fostering the use of small and disadvantaged 

businesses as Federal contractors. OSDBU provides Departmentwide 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 to assist the small business community 

in increasing its competitiveness through increased participation in USDA’s procurement and program activities. 

OSDBU Customer and Outreach Services include the following:

Guides and advises small business representatives on strategies for marketing to 

USDA agencies.

Coordinates and monitors the small business program for the Department. 

Identifies and eliminates contracting barriers that prevent or severely restrict small 

businesses’ access to USDA procurements.

Updates small businesses on contracting regulations.

Educates small businesses on how to obtain certifications.

Promotes the use of small business, section 8(a), HUBZone, and service-disabled 

veteran-owned small business set-asides.

Mediates disputes between contractors and the contracting activity to resolve 

misunderstandings.

Publishes, updates, and disseminates brochures, fact sheets, and forecasts for 

USDA’s contracting programs.

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15 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Departmental Administration
Holds Monthly Vendor Outreach Sessions. These sessions give small businesses 

the opportunity to meet on a regularly scheduled basis with USDA contracting 

officials. At these sessions, USDA is introduced to new businesses that 

procurement offices may use to increase their small business resource base. 

Additionally, small businesses are provided marketing strategies and information 

on how to market their capabilities to USDA in one central location.

Hosts First Tuesday Trade Association Meetings. These meetings are designed 

to provide various trade associations an opportunity to voice their concerns, 

opinions, and ideas concerning current small business issues and to take their 

findings back to the small businesses they represent.

Federal Small Business Programs

Federal Small Business Programs permit competition on certain solicitations among 

small businesses only. These programs are described briefly below.

Section 8(a) Program

The Section 8(a) Program (started in 1968 under the authority of Section 8(a) 

of the Small Business Act, as amended) is administered by the Small Business 

Administration (SBA). The 8(a) program allows USDA to enter into contracts for 

supplies and services with SBA, which then subcontracts these requirements to 

approved socially and economically disadvantaged firms.

Small Disadvantaged Business Program 

The Small Disadvantaged Business Program allows the Department to take a 

proactive role in ensuring that contracts are competitively awarded to disadvantaged 

businesses. Prime contractors can receive evaluation credit for using SBA-certified 

small disadvantaged business subcontractors.

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16 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Departmental Administration
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses 

Congress has enacted two laws and the President has issued an Executive Order 

to assist small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. The 

Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 (P.L. 106–

50) set a 3-percent Federal-wide procurement goal for contracts and subcontracts for 

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). 

The Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (P.L. 108–183) enables SDVOSBs to receive solesource and restricted-competition contracts for goods and services used by the U.S. 

Government. Executive Order 13360 (Service-Disabled Veterans Executive Order) 

provides increased Federal contracting and subcontracting opportunities for servicedisabled veteran businesses.

Women-Owned Business Program

The Women-Owned Business Program requires best-faith effort to increase procurements from women-owned firms by apprising them of opportunities to bid on 

solicitations. A Federal 5- percent contracting goal is mandated for small womenowned businesses.

Historically Underutilized Business Zone Program 

The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program is the SBA 

program for qualified small businesses located in historically underutilized business 

zones. The program is designed to increase employment opportunities, stimulate 

capital investment in those areas, and empower communities by creating and sustaining successful small business enterprises. To participate in the HUBZone Program, a 

business must be a “qualified HUBZone small business concern.”

A firm can qualify as a HUBZone concern if: (1) it is small, (2) it is located in a 

“historically underutilized business zone” (HUBZone), (3) it is owned and controlled 

by one or more U.S. citizens; and (4) at least 35 percent of its employees reside in a 

HUBZone.

The Subcontracting Program

The Subcontracting Program requires prime contractors (except small businesses) 

with contracts over $500,000 ($1 million for construction) to establish subcontracting plans that provide the maximum utilization of small business concerns.

The Small Business Competitiveness Program

This program studies the ability of small businesses to compete successfully in four 

designated industry groups: Construction, Refuse Systems and Related Services, 

Architectural and Engineering Services (including surveying and mapping), and Ship 

Building and Repair. The purpose is to increase procurements in 10 industry categories lacking small business participation. USDA’s targeted industry categories are 

Maintenance and Repair/Automated Data Processing (ADP) Equipment, Installation 

of ADP Equipment, Technology Studies, Other Photo/Mapping/ Printing Services, 

Vocational/Technical Training, Leasing Special Industrial Machinery, Chemical 

Products, ADP Central Processing Units, Bags and Sacks, and Outerwear (Men’s).

17 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Departmental Administration
Additional Information

Whom to Contact: Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, 

Departmental Administration, USDA, Room 1085, South Building, 1400 

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-720-7117; 

toll-free line: 1-877-99OSDBU; fax: 202-720-3001; Web site: http://www.usda.

gov/da/smallbus).

Administering Agency: Departmental Administration, USDA, Room 209-

A, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 

(telephone: 202-720-3291; fax: 202-720-2191; http://www.usda.gov/da).

18 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Departmental Administration
For many reasons, Native American and Alaska Native tribes realize that 

living in harmony with nature is no simple task, but they continue to be prime 

keepers of the environment, watching over their lands’ natural resources for 

future generations. Native American communities currently hold 4 percent of U.S. 

land and constitute the second-largest holding interest after the Federal Government. 

Natural resources on tribal lands are culturally and historically sensitive areas for 

tribal communities. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and 

Forest Service recognize these concerns and identify with the conservation issues 

and policies involved. 

Over the past two decades, NRCS has implemented an extensive joint outreach effort 

with the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC), the Indian Nations Conservation 

Alliance (INCA), and other partners to increase awareness of USDA services 

available to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The IAC and INCA 

are nonprofit corporations and/or organizations of member Indian tribes devoted to 

improving conservation and agriculture as a source of economic development for 

American Indian communities.

NRCS has designated full-time American Indian Liaisons in regions significantly 

populated by Native Americans to work more closely with the IAC, INCA, tribal 

leaders, and tribal members. The agency continues to work with tribal governments 

and their leaders to establish new Tribal Conservation Districts under tribal law. 

Currently, there are 26 Tribal Districts, and several more are under development.

NRCS and the Forest Service will continue to manage Federal programs that attempt 

to meet tribal demands for improved environmental quality. These include environmental and conservation amenities—such as the conservation of crop, pasture, and 

rangelands; rural landscape services; wildlife habitat; wetlands; and improved water 

and air quality—along with food, fiber, and timber production.

19 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
NRCS and the Forest Service also have a strong commitment that extends well 

beyond the traditional farm and ranch homestead. These agencies seek to engage in 

ongoing Government-to-Government consultation with Indian Nations to accommodate traditional, historical, and cultural values and to deliver technical assistance and 

programs effectively to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a Federal agency, was created 

in 1935 within USDA as the Soil Conservation Service. In 1994, the agency’s name 

was changed to the Natural Resources Conservation Service to better reflect the 

current role of the agency. 

NRCS works through local conservation districts to address natural resource problems 

by providing financial and technical assistance to individuals, groups, organizations, cities, towns, States, and tribal governments. NRCS also works with Native 

Americans and Alaska Natives to conserve the natural resources on their lands. 

The agency helps land users and tribal communities approach conservation planning 

and implementation with an understanding of how natural resources relate to one 

another and how those activities affect us all. NRCS is dedicated to helping people 

and cultures utilize partnerships and technology to ensure the future of a healthy 

environment. 

The 2002 Farm Bill promotes conservation of natural resources on agricultural land 

and land under the jurisdiction of a federally recognized Indian tribe. It provides 

for voluntary participation, offers incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing all USDA programs and services. NRCS recognizes that federally recognized 

American Indian and Alaska Native tribes have a special relationship with the U.S. 

Government.

20 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
NRCS Programs 

The scope of environmental concerns has expanded over the last few years to include 

a wider range of NRCS conservation policy instruments and cultural values, which 

are now used to address conservation issues. American Indians and Alaska Natives 

are eligible to participate in all of these NRCS programs and may have unique status 

as provided by statute or regulation. 

The Secretary of Agriculture may also provide special incentives for federally 

recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and beginning or limitedresource farmers and ranchers to encourage participation in conservation programs, 

special projects, or innovative activities. Enhanced NRCS programs include streamlined delivery of technical and financial assistance; improved programs and services; 

and flexibility in decisionmaking, with most decisions made locally at the tribal, 

State, or local levels.

NRCS assistance is provided in a range of areas, including conservation planning 

on cropland, pastureland, and rangeland; application of rangeland management and 

improvement practices; irrigation water development structures and management; 

brush control; erosion control structures; agriculture; forestry; salinity control; land 

treatment for watershed program activities; no-till conservation tillage; soil interpretation for various land uses; farmland protection; wildlife habitat improvement; and 

wetlands restoration.

NRCS also provides technical assistance and works closely with individual landowners and operators, organizations, and city, county, State, and tribal governments to 

ensure that soil and water conservation practices are carried out according to specifications while community values are also taken into consideration. 

The majority of NRCS’ work is conducted through more than 3,000 local soil and 

water conservation districts in the United States. NRCS also provides technical and 

financial help for watershed protection and flood prevention, along with the other 

conservation programs. Natural resource information is available to tribal land use 

officials for planning and maintaining housing, schools, water supply, highways, and 

recreational facilities.

NRCS’s National Tribal Relations Coordinator works with Indian tribes, the 

Intertribal Agricultural Council, the Indian Nation Conservation Alliance, and 

other American Indian groups and organizations to increase participation in NRCS 

programs. 

In addition, most States with federally recognized tribal reservations within their 

exterior boundaries have a State and/or local American Indian Outreach Coordinator. 

These individuals are available to help tribes become familiar with and access NRCS 

programs and services. The Outreach Coordinators are in contact with each tribe in 

their areas to provide assistance and to evaluate their agencies’ ability to better serve 

tribal needs. The Outreach Coordinators can be reached at the State NRCS offices or 

in a local office in the State in which your tribal headquarters is located.

21 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Primary NRCS programs are described below. Additional information on any of 

these programs is available on the NRCS Web site (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov) or 

from your local NRCS office, State NRCS office, Tribal or Local Conservation 

District, Conservation District office, or nearest USDA Service Center. USDA offices 

are generally listed in the telephone book under the Federal Government headings 

(look for “U.S. Department of Agriculture”).

Technical Assistance Program

Through its field offices and local conservation districts, NRCS has assisted 

numerous tribal and individual landowners who need information to better facilitate 

the adoption or use of more environmentally sound conservation practices. NRCS 

has helped tribal land owners and agricultural operators plan and apply more than 

100 types of conservation practices to manage, conserve, improve, and develop soil, 

water, and related resources. Educational and technical assistance has provided data 

on soil quality, water quality, and wildlife habitat and has facilitated the dissemination of information on ways to use that data and as well as ways to apply sustainable 

production techniques and new technologies.

NRCS has expertise in resource assessment and planning, agronomy, range management, forestry, agricultural engineering, soils, water management, wildlife habitat 

management, recreation, aquaculture, rural development, resource inventories, and 

watershed and flood protection. The Service generally provides technical assistance 

to American Indian communities through tribal and other local conservation districts 

and through tribal governments and departments that handle natural resource and 

agriculture conservation programs in addition to other rural development activities. 

22 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Technical Service Providers

The 2002 Farm Bill authorizes certified Technical Service Providers (private individuals, nongovernmental organizations, and Tribal, State, or local governments) to provide 

assistance to agricultural producers and landowners and to receive payments for that 

service. The intent is to increase the number of qualified technical experts available to 

help tribal and individual landowners conserve natural resources on their lands.

Several tribes have taken advantage of this certification program to hire non-NRCS 

personnel as technical consultants to help satisfy a portion of their unmet conservation needs. These technical service conservation agents are often tribal members. 

Tribes are also utilizing their natural resource, environmental, and agriculture departments to contract with NRCS for Technical Service Providers to help meet the tribe’s 

environmental conservation needs. Tribes that utilize this program can also ensure 

that tribal, cultural, and traditional values will be considered when applying conservation needs and services.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was reauthorized in the 2002 

Farm Bill to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that 

promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national 

goals. This program offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants 

in installing or implementing structural and management conservation practices on 

eligible agricultural land. 

EQIP offers contracts with a minimum term that ends 1 year after the implementation of the last scheduled practices and a maximum term of 10 years. These contracts 

provide incentive and cost-share payments to implement conservation practices. 

Persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may 

participate in EQIP. 

Participating producers follow an EQIP plan of operations that they help develop and 

that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or practices for addressing their 

resource concerns. Planned practices are subject to NRCS technical standards that have 

been adapted to local conditions. The local conservation district approves the plan.

EQIP may cost-share up to 75 percent of the costs of certain conservation practices. 

Incentive payments may be provided for up to 3 years to encourage producers to 

carry out management practices they may not otherwise use without the incentive. 

However, limited-resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be 

eligible for cost-shares of up to 90 percent. Farmers and ranchers may elect to use a 

certified third-party provider for technical assistance. An individual or entity may not 

receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share or incentive payments that, in the aggregate, 

exceed $450,000 for all EQIP contracts entered into during the term of the Farm 

Bill. Tribes and Alaska Native corporations may exceed the $450,000 limitation 

on condition that they certify that no individual directly or indirectly exceeds the 

$450,000 limit.

23 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
In addition, the program offers a Conservation Innovative Grants (CIG) component 

that is intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative approaches 

and technologies. Under CIG, competitive grants are awarded yearly to non-Federal 

governmental and nongovernmental organizations, tribes, and individuals who work 

with NRCS to address some of the Nation’s most pressing natural resource concerns.

Conservation Security Program

The Conservation Security Program (CSP) is authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill. 

CSP, a voluntary program administered by NRCS, provides financial and technical assistance to producers who advance the conservation and improvement of soil, 

water, air, energy, and plant and animal life and who promote other conservation 

purposes on tribal and private working lands. Such lands include cropland, grassland, 

prairie land, improved pasture, and rangeland as well as forested land and other 

noncropped areas that are an incidental part of an agricultural operation. 

Agricultural producers are important stewards of America’s working lands, and CSP 

supports this ongoing stewardship by providing financial and technical assistance for 

producers to maintain and enhance resources. The purpose of CSP is to:

Identify and reward farmers and ranchers meeting the very highest standards 

of conservation and environmental management, particularly in the ongoing 

production of clean water and clean air.

Create powerful incentives for other producers to meet those same standards of 

conservation performance on their operations.

Provide public benefits for generations to come. 

The program is available to all eligible producers on privately owned or tribal lands 

in any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 

Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, American Samoa, and the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Grazing Land Conservation Initiative

The Grazing Land Conservation Initiative provides technical, educational, and 

related assistance to those who own and manage private grazing land. Healthy and 

productive grazing land is a substantial component of the agricultural economy and 

is the largest of all agricultural land uses, with more than 575 million acres being 

grazed in the United States.

Technical assistance supports and encourages better grazing management, improved 

livestock production, protection of the soil from wind and water erosion, reduction of 

drought impacts, control of invasive weeds, and the use of energy-efficient production techniques. It also provides opportunities for water conservation, wildlife habitat 

development, stream bank protection, and water quality improvement. Technical 

assistance ensures that the resources remain healthy and productive.

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24 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program

The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) provides matching funds to 

help purchase development rights to keep productive farm and ranchland in agricultural uses. Working through existing programs, USDA partners with State, tribal, 

or local governments and nongovernmental organizations to acquire conservation 

easements or other interests in land from landowners. USDA provides up to 50 

percent of the fair market value of the conservation easement.

To qualify, farm and ranch land must be part of a pending offer from a farm and 

ranch land protection program of a State, tribal, or local government or nongovernmental organizational farm land protection program; be privately owned; have a 

conservation plan for highly erodible land; be large enough to sustain agricultural 

production; be accessible to markets for what the land produces; have adequate 

infrastructure and agricultural support services; and have surrounding parcels of land 

that can support long-term agricultural production. Depending on funding availability, proposals must be submitted by the eligible entities to the appropriate NRCS 

State Office during the application period.

Wetlands Reserve Program

The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program offering landowners the 

opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. NRCS 

provides technical and financial support to help landowners with their wetland 

restoration efforts. 

The NRCS goal is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with 

optimum wildlife habitat, on every acre enrolled in the program. This program offers 

landowners an opportunity to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices 

and protection.

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program that 

provides technical and financial assistance to enable eligible participants to protect, 

restore, develop, or enhance habitat for upland wildlife, wetland wildlife, threatened and endangered species, fish, and other types of wildlife in an environmentally 

beneficial and cost-effective manner. The purpose of the program is to develop highquality wildlife habitats that support wildlife populations of local, State, and national 

significance. WHIP agreements between NRCS and participants generally last 5 to 

10 years.

WHIP has proven to be a highly effective and widely accepted program. By encouraging wildlife habitat projects on all non-Federal lands and aquatic areas, WHIP 

provides assistance to conservation-minded landowners who are unable to meet the 

specific eligibility requirements of other USDA conservation programs.

25 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Soil Survey Program

Led by NRCS, the National Cooperative Soil Survey Program (NCSS) is a partnership of Federal land management agencies, State agricultural experiment stations, 

and State and local units of government that provide soil survey information 

necessary for understanding, managing, conserving, and sustaining the Nation’s 

limited soil resources. NRCS leads the federal part of the NCSS partnership.

Soil surveys provide an orderly, on-the-ground, scientific inventory of soil resources 

that includes maps showing the locations and extent of soils, data about the physical 

and chemical properties of those soils, and information derived from that data about 

potentialities and problems of use on each kind of soil. The inventory information 

is provided in sufficient detail to meet all reasonable needs of farmers, agricultural 

technicians, community planners, engineers, and scientists in planning and transferring the findings of research and experience to specific land areas. Soil surveys 

provide the basic information needed to manage soil sustainability. They also provide 

information needed to protect water quality, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. 

Soil surveys provide a basis for predicting the behavior of a soil under alternative 

uses, its potential erosion hazard, its potential for ground water contamination, and 

its suitability and productivity for cultivated crops, trees, and grasses. Such surveys 

are important to individuals such as planners, engineers, zoning commissions, tax 

commissioners, homeowners, developers, and agricultural producers. Soil surveys 

also provide a basis for predicting the effect of global climate change on worldwide 

agricultural production and other land-dependent processes. The NRCS Soil Survey 

Division, through its World Soil Resources Staff, helps gather and interpret soil 

information for global use.

NRCS provides soil surveys for the privately owned non-Federal lands of the Nation 

and, through its National Soil Survey Center (NSSC), provides scientific expertise to 

enable the NSSC to develop and maintain a uniform system for mapping and assessing soil resources so that soil information from different locations can be shared, 

regardless of which agency collects it. NRCS provides most of the training in soil 

surveys to Federal agencies and assists other Federal agencies with their soil inventories on a reimbursable basis.

Resource Conservation and Development Program

The purpose of the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program is 

to accelerate the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources; 

improve the general level of economic activity; and enhance the environment and 

standard of living in designated RC&D areas. The program improves the capability of States, tribes, local units of government, and local nonprofit organizations in 

rural areas to plan, develop, and carry out programs for resource conservation and 

development. The program also establishes or improves coordination systems in 

rural areas. 

26 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Current program objectives focus on improvement of quality of life through natural 

resources conservation and community development—leading to sustainable 

communities, prudent use (development), and the management and conservation 

of natural resources. RC&D areas are locally sponsored areas designated by the 

Secretary of Agriculture for RC&D technical and financial assistance program funds. 

A map of RC&D areas can be accessed online (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/

rcd/photos/m8594.gif). 

Agricultural Management Assistance

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) provides cost-share payments to agricultural producers to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality, 

and erosion control by incorporating conservation into their farming operations. 

Producers may construct or improve water management structures or irrigation 

structures; plant trees for windbreaks or to improve water quality; and mitigate risk 

through production diversification or resource conservation practices such as soil 

erosion control, integrated pest management, or transition to organic farming.

NRCS has leadership for the AMA’s conservation provisions. The Agricultural 

Marketing Service (AMS) is responsible for an organic certification cost-share 

program, and the Risk Management Agency (RMA) is responsible for mitigation of 

financial risk through an insurance cost-share program.

AMA is available in 15 States in which participation in the Federal Crop 

Insurance Program is historically low: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, 

Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, 

Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

A conservation plan is required for the area covered in the application and becomes 

the basis for developing the AMA contract. NRCS works with the landowner to 

develop a conservation plan. Landowners must agree to maintain cost-shared 

practices for the life of the practice. Contracts are for 3 to 10 years.

The NRCS State conservationist, in consultation with the State Technical Committee, 

determines eligible structural and/or vegetative conservation practices using a locally 

led process. The Federal cost share is 75 percent of the cost of an eligible practice. 

Participants will be paid upon certification of completion of the approved practice. 

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program

The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 83-566), of August 4, 

1954, as amended, authorizes NRCS to cooperate with States and local agencies to 

carry out works of improvement for soil conservation and for other purposes such as 

flood prevention; conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water; and 

conservation and proper utilization of land.

NRCS implements the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act through 

three programs: Watershed Surveys and Planning; Watershed Protection and Flood 

Prevention Operations; and Watershed Rehabilitation. 

27 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Plant Materials Centers

The purpose of this program is to provide native plants that can help solve natural 

resource problems. Beneficial uses for which plant material may be developed 

include biomass production, carbon sequestration, erosion reduction, wetland 

restoration, water quality improvement, stream bank and riparian area protection, 

coastal dune stabilization, and other special conservation treatment needs. 

Scientists at the Plant Materials Centers seek out plants that show promise for 

meeting an identified conservation need and test their performance. After species 

are proven effective, they are released to the private sector for commercial production. The work at the 26 centers is carried out cooperatively with State and Federal 

agencies, commercial businesses, and seed and nursery associations.

Emergency Watershed Protection Program

The purpose of the Emergency Watershed Protection program is to undertake 

emergency measures, including the purchase of flood plain easements, for runoff 

retardation and soil erosion prevention to safeguard lives and property from floods, 

drought, and the products of erosion on any watershed whenever fire, flood, or 

any other natural occurrence is causing or has caused a sudden impairment of the 

watershed.

Tribal Conservation Districts

NRCS has assisted in the establishment of 26 Tribal Conservation Districts (with 

more under development) that are providing the essential local leadership to 

effectively target conservation planning and conservation program assistance in 

tribal country. The agency provides all American Indian and Alaska Native governments with information on conservation district options and processes for their 

consideration. 

If a Tribal Conservation District is formed, NRCS will work with the newly formed 

district and the Indian tribe or Alaska Native corporation to establish a cooperative working agreement between the Indian tribe, the Tribal Conservation District, 

and the NRCS State conservationist. The cooperative working agreement provides 

an opportunity to establish the tribal government’s role and to resolve any issues 

between the tribe and NRCS as well as to establish levels of service from NRCS. 

A Tribal Conservation District provides guidance to NRCS for prioritizing program 

assistance. As a locally led initiative, a Tribal Conservation District may wish to 

interact with the USDA local advisory committee that establishes local conservation 

priorities for USDA programs.

28 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Additional Information

Whom to Contact: Most States with federally recognized tribal reservations 

within their exterior boundaries have a State and/or local American Indian Outreach 

Coordinator. These individuals are available to help tribes become familiar with 

and access NRCS programs and services. The Outreach Coordinators are in contact 

with tribes in their areas to provide assistance and to evaluate their agencies’ ability 

to better serve tribal needs. The Outreach Coordinators can be reached at the State 

NRCS offices or in a local office in the State in which your tribal headquarters is 

located.

Additional information on any of these programs is also available on the NRCS Web 

site (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov) or from your local NRCS office, State NRCS office, 

Tribal or Local Conservation District, Conservation District office, or nearest USDA 

Service Center. USDA offices are generally listed in the telephone book under the 

Federal Government headings (look for “U.S. Department of Agriculture”).

Administering Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA, 1400 

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-720-2847; fax: 

202-690-0639; Web site: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov).

29 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
The Forest Service

USDA’s Forest Service is a Federal agency that manages public lands in national 

forests and grasslands. In addition, the Forest Service—the largest forestry research 

organization in the world—provides technical and financial assistance to State, tribal, 

and private forestry agencies. The Forest Service was established in 1905 to provide 

quality water and timber for the Nation’s benefit.

The Forest Service motto, “Caring for the Land and Serving People,” captures the 

spirit of its mission, which is accomplished through five main activities: 

Protection and management of natural resources on National Forest System lands.

Research on all aspects of forestry, rangeland management, and forest resource 

utilization.

Cooperation with State, tribal, and local governments, forest industries, and 

private landowners to help protect and manage non-Federal forest and associated 

range and watershed lands and to improve forest and natural resource conditions.

International assistance in formulating policy and coordinating U.S. support for 

the protection and sound management of the world’s forest resources.

Achieving and supporting an effective workforce that reflects the full range of 

diversity of the American people.

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30 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Forest Service Programs

The Forest Service is a leader in the conservation and wise use of the Nation’s forests 

and rangelands. In addition to assisting with numerous tribal forest lands, it is also 

the steward of 155 national forests comprising 193 million acres in 44 States. The 

agency consults and works directly with sovereign Indian Nations throughout the 

United States. 

The Forest Service works with tribal governments, tribal communities, and Indian 

farmers and ranchers operating on tribal trust lands primarily through its State and 

Private Cooperative Forestry Programs, including the Forest Stewardship Program 

and its small diameter utilization and wood-to-energy initiatives.

In 2004, the Forest Service created an Office of Tribal Relations. This office was 

established to facilitate consistency and effectiveness in Forest Service program 

delivery and to institutionalize long-term collaborative relationships with tribal 

governments through policy and direction. 

The Office of Tribal Relations’ purpose is to:

Implement new and existing policy and direction regarding tribes. 

Ensure that Forest Service programs affecting tribes are based on respectful, 

supportive government-to-government relationships that strengthen external and 

internal coordination and communication about tribal concerns.

Prepare policy and direction outlining the legal requirements of government-togovernment relationships and to clarify the agency’s trust responsibilities and 

authorities when working with tribes.

Emphasize education and train agency employees to work effectively with tribal 

governments.

Facilitate and improve implementation of the Forest Service’s American Indian 

and Alaska Native policies (e.g., by updating the Forest Service National Resource 

Book on American Indian and Alaska Native Relations). 

Manage national forest system lands and resources with adjacent Indian tribes. 

The Forest Service honors American Indian water rights and reserved rights to 

hunt, fish, gather, and graze on present-day national forests through consultation 

and agreements with the affected Indian tribes. The agency is engaged in 

consultation with Indian tribes to accommodate traditional cultural sites on public 

lands and to facilitate research, technology transfer, and other assistance in this 

regard.

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31 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
In addition to assisting State forestry organizations and private landowners, the 

Forest Service assists American Indian communities in applying worthy forest 

practices. The Forest Service also provides technical assistance and performs 

research to find better ways to manage and use the Nation’s resources. The agency 

prides itself on its work with indigenous communities in other parts of the world 

through its Office of International Programs.

An important USDA Forest Service resource is the Forest Service National Resource 

Book on American Indians and Alaska Native Relations. This national resource 

book was developed to improve the implementation of specific policies regarding 

American Indians and Alaska Natives. Copies of the book may be requested from 

the Forest Service’s Office of Tribal Relations, and an updated edition will soon be 

accessible online on the Forest Service’s Office of Tribal Relations Web site (http://

www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations).

Tribal Forest Protection Act

The Tribal Forest Protection Act, Public Law 108-278 (2004), authorizes the 

Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to enter into agreements and contracts with 

tribal governments to carry out projects on Federal lands to protect adjacent Indian 

forest land, rangeland, or communities. Indian tribes submit project proposals to the 

Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for projects on Forest 

Service or BLM land bordering or adjacent to tribal land.

The projects are intended to address fire, disease, and other threats to Indian forest 

or rangeland as well as situations in which the FS or BLM land is in need of restoration. The Secretaries are to respond to tribal project proposals within 120 days from 

the date a project proposal is submitted. The decision on whether to authorize tribes’ 

project proposals is wholly at the discretion of the Secretaries. 

32 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Primary Forest Service Programs

For information on these programs, contact your regional Forest Service office 

(see table below). The point of contact is your regional tribal program manager. All 

Forest Service offices are generally listed in the telephone book under the Federal 

Government headings: Look for “U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

USDA Forest Service Regional Offices

Region Telephone Fax Address

Region 01 406-329-3348 406-329-3132 Forest Service 

(MT, nID, ND, nwSD) Northern Region

Federal Building

200 E. Broadway

Missoula, MT 59802

Region 02 303-275-5760 303-275-5754 Forest Service

(CO, KS, NE, SD, eWY) Rocky Mountain Region

740 Simms Street

Golden, CO 80401-4720

Region 03 505-842-3424 505-842-3165 Forest Service

(AZ, NM) Southwestern Region 

333 Broadway SE

Albuquerque, NM 87102

Region 04 801-625-5820 801-625-5716 Forest Service

(ID, NV, UT, wWY) Intermountain Region

324 25th Street

Ogden, UT 84401

Region 05 707-562-8919 707-562-9052 Forest Service

(CA, HW, US affiliated Pacific Southwest Region

Pacific Is) 1323 Club Drive

Vallejo, CA 94592

Region 06 503-808-2603 503-808-2467 Forest Service

(OR, WA) Pacific Northwest Region

333 SW First Street

P.O. Box 3623

Portland, OR 97204

Region 08 318-473-7177 318-473-7180 Forest Service

(AL, AR. FL, GA, KY, LA, Southern Region

MS, NC, OK, PR, SC, TN, Kisatchie National Forest

TX, VI, VA) 2500 Shreveport

Pineville, LA 71360-2009 

Region 09 414-297-3777 414-944-3966 Forest Service

(CT, DE, IL, IN, IA, ME, Eastern Region

MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, 626 E. Wisconsin Avenue,

NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, Suite 800

VT, WV, WI) Milwaukee, WI 53202

Region 10 907-586-7089 907-586-7852 Forest Service

(AK) Alaska Region

709 W. 9th Street

P.O. Box 21628

Juneau, AK 99802-1628

Washington Office 202-205-1514 202-205-1773 Forest Service

Office of Tribal Relations

USDA

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20250-0003

33 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Range Management Program

Three types of grazing permits are issued by the Forest Service. Temporary Grazing 

Permits serve for short periods to handle special circumstances, Livestock Use 

Permits authorize incidental use but not commercial livestock production on national 

forest lands, and Term Grazing Permits—common throughout the West—apply for 

up to 10 years. For additional information, contact your local Forest Service office 

or the USDA Forest Service, Range Management, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-0003 (telephone: 202-205-0893; fax: 202-205-1096; Web 

site: http://www.fs.fed.us). 

Special Land Use Program

A special use permit or other appropriate authorization allows occupancy and use 

of National Forest System lands for specific purposes and under specific conditions. 

Participants may use lands for pastures, fences, roads and trails, buildings, water 

developments, resorts, and commercial enterprises.

Persons proposing use on lands within a national forest or national grassland should 

contact the local Forest Service office responsible for the affected lands to identify 

potential constraints and consider the proposal in light of land management plans so 

that the Forest Service can schedule application processing. Prospective participants 

apply by bid, in response to a prospectus, or by letter to the district ranger or forest 

supervisor with jurisdiction over the affected land. 

The district ranger or forest supervisor may request additional information before 

approving or denying an application, but will process the application in a timely 

fashion. The approving official conveys no privileges until he or she has issued a 

special use permit.

For additional information, contact your local Forest Service office or the USDA

Forest Service, Lands Management, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 

DC 20250-0003 (telephone: 202-205-1248; fax: 202-205-1243; Web site: http://

www.fs.fed.us). 

Timber Sale Program

Available for sale are national forest timber products such as logs for lumber and 

plywood, wood fiber for paper, fuel wood, posts, poles, and Christmas trees. The 

local district ranger handles these transactions.

For additional information, contact your local Forest Service Office or the USDA

Forest Service, Forest Management, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 

DC 20250-0003 (telephone: 202-205-0893; fax: 202-205-1045; Web site: http://

www.fs.fed.us). 

34 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Biomass

Forest biomass products are nonmerchantable materials or precommercial thinnings 

that are by-products of treatments. These products can be trees, wood, brush, 

thinnings, chips, or slash removed from the forest to reduce hazardous fuels or to 

reduce disease or insect infestation and restore forest health. Biomass products can 

be used for electric energy, useful heat, transportation fuels, and other commercial 

purposes. 

For additional information, contact your local Forest Service office or the USDA

Forest Service, Forest Management, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 

DC 20250-0003 (telephone: 970-295-5947; fax: 970-295-5927; Web site: http://

www.fs.fed.us). 

Forest Health Protection

This program provides technical and financial assistance to tribes for minimizing the 

spread of established invasive species and lessening the damage caused by native 

insects and diseases on tribal lands. The program protects and improves America’s 

forests by using cutting-edge technology to rapidly respond to forest health threats. 

For additional information, contact your local Forest Service office or the USDA

Forest Service, Forest Health Protection, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-0003 (telephone: 703-605-5340; fax: 703-605-5353; Web 

site: http://www.fs.fed.us).

Rural Community Fire Protection Program

Rural areas and communities with populations under 10,000 receive cost-sharing for 

organizing, training, and equipping rural firefighting forces. Unprotected or poorly 

protected communities receive priority. Federal excess property is available to rural 

communities for firefighting, though it may need modification or upgrading.

For additional information, contact your local Forest Service office or the USDA

Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-0003 (telephone: 202-205-1054; fax: 202-690-5792; Web 

site: http://www.fs.fed.us). 

Forestry Incentives Program

Private non-industrial forest land owners, including Indian tribes, receive costsharing for tree planting and timber stand improvement. To qualify, a person must 

own land that is:

Of no more than 5,000 acres;

Suitable for forestation and timber stand improvement, and

Capable of producing industrial wood crops that meet minimum productivity 

standards.

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35 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
For additional information, contact your local Forest Service office or the USDA

Forest Service, Forest Management, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mailstop 1103, 

Washington, DC 20250-1103 (telephone: 202-205-0893; fax: 202-205-1045; Web 

site: http://www.fs.fed.us).

Forestry Stewardship Program

The Forest Stewardship Program, implemented through the State forestry agencies, 

helps private forest landowners and Indian tribes and individuals develop plans for 

managing their forests. The Forest Service offers direct assistance to tribes to help 

protect and improve soil, water, range, aesthetics, recreation, timber, and fish and 

wildlife resources.

For additional information, contact your local Forest Service office or the USDA

Forest Service, Cooperative Forestry, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 

DC 20078-5500 (telephone: 202-205-1389; fax: 202-205-1271; Web site: http://

www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop). 

Forestland Enhancement Program

Providing technical, educational, and cost-share assistance to eligible private 

nonindustrial landowners, including Indian tribes, this program promotes improvement and protection of soil and water, fish and wildlife, aesthetics, and forest 

recreation. To qualify, a person must privately own a tract of land with no more 

than 1,000 acres of eligible forest land (or 5,000 acres with a waiver from the State 

forester).

For additional information, contact your local Forest Service office or the USDA

Forest Service, Cooperative Forestry, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 

DC 20078-5500 (telephone: 202-205-1389; fax: 202-205-1271; Web site: http://

www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop). 

Economic Action Program

The Economic Action Program (EAP) assists rural communities in building skills, 

networks, and strategies to address social, environmental, and economic changes. 

EAP helps communities and businesses to find new and expanded business 

opportunities based on forest resources and to develop new markets for naturalresource-based goods and services. The program also funds a grant program that 

provides financial and technical assistance to tribal forest-dependent communities for 

heritage tourism and historic preservation.

For additional information, contact your local Forest Service office or the USDA

Forest Service, Cooperative Forestry, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 

DC 20078-5500 (telephone: 202-205-1389; fax: 202-205-1271; Web site: http://

www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop).

36 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Urban and Community Forestry

The Urban and Community Forestry program enhances the livability of towns, 

communities, and cities by providing technical and financial assistance to plan, 

protect, establish, and manage trees, forests, and related resources. The program also 

aims to restore and sustain the health and quality of the natural and human environments in urban areas and to increase public awareness of, and participation in, 

activities to improve the natural, social, and economic environments of the Nation’s 

urban and community areas.

For additional information, contact your local Forest Service office or the USDA

Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-0003 (telephone: 202-205-1389; fax: 202-205-1271; Web 

site: http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf).

Job Corps Program

In partnership with the Department of Labor, the Forest Service Job Corps Program 

operates 18 Job Corps Centers on national forest lands, and some of them offer 

natural-resource-related training and work. The Job Corps is America’s oldest, 

largest, and most comprehensive residential training program for at-risk youth ages 

16 to 25, preparing millions of young men and women for meaningful work and 

assisting them in finding jobs. All programs are self-paced to best meet the needs of 

each student.

To learn more about the Forest Service Job Corps Program, call the toll-free Job 

Corps Hotline at 1-800-733 JOBS (5627) or access the Department of Labor’s Job 

Corps Web page at http://jobcorps.doleta.gov. You can also visit the nearest State 

employment service and ask for a Job Corps counselor, or call or write the USDA 

Forest Service, Youth Programs, Rosslyn Plaza Building E, 1621 North Kent Street, 

Arlington, VA 22209 (telephone: 703-605-4829).

Youth Conservation Corps

A summer employment program for young men and women ages 15 to 18, the Youth 

Conservation Corps seeks to accomplish needed conservation work on public lands, 

provide gainful employment, and develop an understanding and appreciation of the 

Nation’s natural environment and heritage. Projects are located on lands administered by the Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park 

Service and Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Application forms are available on the Forest Service Web site (http://www.fs.fed.

us/people/volunteer/ycc.htm). Information is also available from the USDA Forest 

Service, Youth Programs, Rosslyn Plaza Building E, 1621 North Kent Street, 

Arlington, VA 22209 (telephone: 703-605-4829; fax: 703-605-4832; Web site: http://

www.fs.fed.us/people/volunteer).

37 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
Additional Information

Whom To Contact: For additional information on Forest Service programs, contact 

your regional Forest Service office. The point of contact is your regional tribal 

program manager. All regional Forest Service offices are generally listed in the 

telephone book under the Federal Government headings: Look for “U.S. Department 

of Agriculture.” These offices are also listed on the Forest Service Web site (http://

www.fs.fed.us); select “National Offices and Programs” and “9 regions.”

Administering Agency: USDA Forest Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-0003; telephone: 202-205-8333; fax: 202-358-4063; e-mail: 

Webmaster@fs.fed.us; Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us).

38 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Natural Resources and Environment
USDA’s Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS) mission area helps to 

keep America’s farmers and ranchers in business as they face the uncertainties of weather and markets. This mission area delivers commodity, credit, 

conservation, disaster, and emergency assistance programs that help improve the 

stability and strength of the Nation’s agricultural economy. 

FFAS also delivers programs and services that support USDA strategic goals to 

enhance the international competitiveness of American agricultural producers, 

including American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and their members. The mission 

area conducts its activities in support of the following five key objectives:

Expand and maintain international export opportunities.

Support international economic development and trade capacity building.

Expand alternative markets for agricultural products and activities.

Provide risk management and financial tools to farmers and ranchers.

Protect and enhance the Nation’s natural resource base and environment. 

Farm loans and income support programs are key components of USDA’s efforts to 

provide America’s farmers and ranchers with an economic safety net to help them 

maintain their operations during difficult times. These programs improve producer 

access to capital and mitigate market losses, including those resulting from disasters. 

They also contribute to the success of farms and ranches, a market-based agricultural 

sector, and thriving agricultural communities.

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39 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
The work of the FFAS mission area is carried out by its three agencies, the Farm 

Service Agency (FSA), the Risk Management Agency (RMA), and the Foreign 

Agricultural Service (FAS). The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is the source 

of funding for most of the conservation and commodity programs administered by 

FSA and of the export programs administered by FAS.

Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) assists American agricultural producers in stabilizing their farm income, helps farmers conserve land and water resources, provides 

credit to existing, beginning, or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who 

cannot obtain credit elsewhere, and helps farm operations recover from the effects of 

disasters. The vision statement for the agency is relevant to all agricultural producers, including American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, their members, and others 

who certify they are Native American: “A customer-driven agency with a diverse and 

multi-talented work force, dedicated to achieving an economically and environmentally sound future for American Agriculture.” 

Though the FSA name has changed over the years, the agency’s relationship 

with farmers goes back to the 1930s. FSA was set up when the Department was 

reorganized in 1994, incorporating programs from several agencies, including the 

Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, the Federal Crop Insurance 

Corporation (subsequently moved to the Risk Management Agency), and the 

Farmers Home Administration. 

40 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
In the 1930s, Congress set up a unique system under which Federal farm programs 

were to be administered locally. (FSA Farm Loan Programs, however, are not 

administered at the local level.) Agricultural producers eligible to participate in 

FSA farm programs elect a three- to five-person county committee, which reviews 

county office operations and makes decisions on how to apply farm programs. This 

grassroots approach gives all agricultural producers a much-needed say in how 

Federal actions affect their communities and their individual operations. After more 

than 60 years, it remains a cornerstone of FSA’s efforts to preserve and promote 

American agriculture. 

FSA is committed to providing timely program information to the farmers and 

ranchers among American Indian and Alaska Native tribes so they can make the best 

possible decisions for their businesses.

Farm Service Agency Outreach 

Since 1996, the FSA Outreach staff has created the following programs: 

Native American Outreach

Agricultural Mediation Program

African American Outreach

Asian and Pacific Islander Outreach

Hispanic Outreach

Resource Conservation and Development Outreach

Women Outreach

Through these programs, the FSA Outreach staff: 

Assists limited-resource and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in 

improving their income through better farm management and financial planning.

Assures that underserved, limited-resource, and socially disadvantaged farmers 

and ranchers participate fully in FSA State and county committee elections.

Works with community-based organizations (including churches and social 

groups; 1862, 1890, and 1994 land-grant colleges and universities; Hispanicserving institutions; and tribally controlled colleges) to provide technical 

assistance and training to limited-resource and socially disadvantaged family 

farmers.

Partners with community-based ranchers and organizations to enhance program 

delivery to underserved communities.

For additional information, contact Mike Hill, Director, Outreach Staff, FSA, USDA, 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-690-1299; 

e-mail: Mike.Hill@wdc.usda.gov) or visit the FSA Outreach Web site (http://www.

fsa.usda.gov/outreach). 

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41 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
County Office Committee Elections 

Farmers and ranchers elect representatives from their community to serve on their 

local County Office Committees (COCs), which work with local FSA staff to 

administer programs, provide policy direction, and guide eligibility requirements for 

programs in their own communities. COCs provide important insight into how farm 

programs affect local communities. 

COCs may also include minority advisors. These advisors highlight special concerns 

and represent additional views on program implementation and administration, ensuring that all producers have a voice in the COC system. All agricultural 

producers who participate in or cooperate with programs administered within the 

jurisdiction of a COC are eligible to be nominated and to vote. It is imperative that 

COCs reflect the diversity of farming communities they represent. 

Additional information is available on the FSA Web site (http://www.fsa.usda.gov). 

FSA Program Tools

The primary mission of FSA is to help farmers and ranchers secure benefits from 

programs such as farm loans, commodity price support, disaster relief, conservation, 

food aid, and other available resources. FSA is dedicated to improving the economic 

stability of the Nation’s agricultural sector and to ensuring an optimal quality of life 

for future generations. 

42 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Approximately 2,500 State, district, and county FSA offices are at the forefront of 

the agency’s efforts and remain the primary contact for program participation. The 

agency encourages all Native American and Alaska Native community members 

and individuals to speak with the staff at their local FSA offices concerning ways in 

which the agency can be of service. The FSA Web site (http://www.fsa.usda.gov) 

also provides information about FSA programs and services, including the location 

of local FSA Service Centers.

FSA seeks to build lasting relationships with Native Americans and Alaska Native 

people and communities and to work in partnership with them to solve problems and 

abolish barriers.

The agency is committed to informing all farmers and ranchers about FSA programs 

and services and to aiding participation in FSA programs on the part of the all 

eligible persons, including limited-resource farmers and those who are socially 

disadvantaged or members of racial minority groups.

Primary FSA-Administered Programs

FSA administers a number of programs, most of which utilize funds of the CCC. 

Some of these programs are only authorized by Congress from time to time, and all 

programs are subject to regulations as well as involving, often, program contracts. 

For information on any of these programs, contact your local or State FSA office or 

visit the FSA Web site (www.fsa.usda.gov). USDA offices are generally listed in the 

telephone book under the Federal Government headings: Look for “U.S. Department 

of Agriculture.” FSA publishes factsheets that summarize the terms of the present 

year’s program for various commodities as well as on topics such as loan programs 

and conservations. Fact sheets are available online on the FSA Web site (http://www.

fsa.usda.gov). 

43 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Farm Programs

American Indian Livestock Feed Program

When funded, this program can provide financial assistance to livestock producers 

who purchased feed for livestock that occupied tribal-governed land during a natural 

disaster. The tribe governing the land used for livestock production will determine if 

the livestock producer meets the eligibility requirements.

Conservation Reserve Program

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary land retirement program 

available to agricultural producers to help safeguard environmentally sensitive land. 

Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers to improve 

the quality of water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. In return, 

the CCC, through FSA, provides participants with rental payments and cost-share 

assistance. The contract duration is between 10 and 15 years.

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), a derivative program 

of CRP, is a voluntary land-retirement program that helps agricultural producers 

protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, 

and safeguard ground and surface water. The program involves a partnership among 

producers; tribal, State, and Federal governments; and, in some cases, private groups.

Crop Disaster Program

From time to time, CCC, when authorized by Congress, provides crop-loss disaster 

assistance for producers (with some exceptions) who have suffered losses caused by 

damaging weather and related conditions. 

Dairy Indemnity Payment Program

The Dairy Indemnity Payment Program pays dairy producers when a public regulatory agency directs them to remove their raw milk from the commercial market 

because it has been contaminated by pesticides, nuclear radiation or fallout, or 

toxic substances and chemical residues other than pesticides. Payments are made to 

manufacturers of dairy products only for products removed from the market because 

of pesticide contamination.

Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program

The Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program (DCP) provides income support 

to producers of eligible commodities according to historically based acreage and 

yields rather than the current production choices of the farmer. DCP was authorized 

by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (the 2002 Farm Bill) for 

farms enrolled for the 2002 through 2007 crop years for barley, corn, grain sorghum 

(including dual-purpose varieties), oats, canola, crambe, flax seed, mustard seed, 

rapeseed, safflower, sesame seed and sunflower seed (including oil and non-oil 

varieties), peanuts, rice (excluding wild rice), soybeans, upland cotton, and wheat.

44 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Emergency Conservation Program

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland 

damaged by wind erosion, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters and for 

carrying out emergency water conservation measures during periods of severe 

drought. The natural disaster must create new conservation problems that, if not 

treated, would impair or endanger the land; would materially affect the productive capacity of the land; would represent unusual damage which, except for wind 

erosion, is not the type likely to recur frequently in the same area; and would be so 

costly to repair that Federal assistance is required to return the land to productive 

agricultural use.

Farmable Wetlands Program

The Farmable Wetlands Program is a voluntary program intended to restore up to 1 

million acres of farmable wetlands and associated buffers by improving those lands’ 

hydrology and vegetation under CRP.

Farm Storage Facility Loan Program

CCC, through FSA, may make loans to producers to build or upgrade on-farm 

storage and handling facilities for rice, soybeans, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, 

peanuts, sunflower seeds, canola, rapeseed, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, and 

other oilseeds. Corn, grain sorghum, oats, wheat, and barley are also eligible, subject 

to program requirements.

Grassland Reserve Program 

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program for landowners to 

protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property. USDA’s Natural Resources 

Conservation Service, FSA, and Forest Service implement GRP to conserve vulnerable grasslands from conversion to cropland or other uses and to conserve valuable 

grasslands by helping maintain viable ranching operations.

Hard White Wheat Incentive Program

When available, this program serves to increase the supply of hard white wheat 

available for domestic milling and export. 

Livestock Assistance Program

When available, this assistance provides payments to eligible livestock producers 

for grazing losses that occurred in an eligible year if a producer’s grazing land is in 

a county that was declared a primary disaster area under a Presidential or Secretarial 

declaration. Producers in contiguous counties are not eligible.

Milk Income Loss Contract Program

The Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Program financially compensates dairy 

producers when domestic milk prices fall below a specified level. MILC payments 

are made monthly when the milk price falls below the established price per 

hundredweight.

45 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) provides financial 

assistance to eligible producers affected by drought, flood, hurricane, or other natural 

disasters. NAP covers noninsurable crop losses and planting prevented by disasters 

for losses on crops for which Federal catastrophic crop insurance is not available. 

Landowners, tenants, or sharecroppers who share the risk of producing an eligible 

crop are eligible. 

Eligible crops include commercial crops and other agricultural commodities 

produced for food, including livestock feed or fiber for which the catastrophic level 

of crop insurance is unavailable. Also eligible for NAP coverage are controlledenvironment crops (mushrooms and floriculture), specialty crops (honey and maple 

sap), and value loss crops (aquaculture, Christmas trees, ginseng, ornamental nursery, 

and turfgrass sod).

Nonrecourse Marketing Assistance Loan

and Loan Deficiency Payment Programs

Nonrecourse Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) provide producers interim financing at harvest time to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities 

when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows. MALs allow producers to store 

production at harvest and facilitate more orderly marketing of commodities throughout the year. 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 CCC at maturity in full satisfaction of the loan obligation. 

A producer who is eligible to obtain a loan, but who agrees to forgo the loan, may 

obtain a Loan Deficiency Payment (LDP). The LDP rate equals the amount by which 

the applicable loan rate where the commodity is stored exceeds the alternative loan 

repayment rate for the respective commodity.

46 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Recourse Seed Cotton Loans

CCC makes recourse seed cotton loans available through March 31 of the year 

following the calendar year in which the cotton crop is normally harvested. Seed 

cotton pledged as collateral for a loan must be tendered to CCC by an eligible 

producer and must be in existence and in good condition at the time of disbursement 

of loan proceeds, in addition to other requirements.

The seed cotton loan principal, interest, and charges must be repaid before the 

cotton is pledged for a non-recourse loan or before a loan deficiency payment can be 

approved. Seed cotton loans mature on demand by CCC, but no later than May 31 

following the calendar year in which such crop is normally harvested.

Sugar Loan Program and Sugar Marketing Allotments

The Sugar Loan Program provides non-recourse loans to processors of domestically grown sugarcane and sugar beets to stabilize America’s sugar industry. CCC 

establishes marketing allotments for sugar from domestically produced sugar beets 

and sugarcane. 

Allotments are assigned based on estimates of sugar consumption, stocks, production, and imports for a crop year, with the intent that the total allotment quantity 

minimizes forfeitures of sugar to CCC under the sugar loan program.

Sugar Storage Facility Loan Program

CCC may make loans to processors of domestically produced sugarcane and sugar 

beets for the construction or upgrading of storage and handling facilities for raw 

sugars and refined sugars. Loans may be made only for the purchase and installation 

of eligible storage facilities or permanently affixed handling equipment or for the 

remodeling of existing facilities.

Tobacco Transition Payment Program

CCC provides payments over a 10-year period to former quota holders and producers of quota tobacco to help them make the transition from the federally regulated 

tobacco marketing quota and price support loan programs. Eligible tobacco quota 

holders and producers can receive payments under this program in 10 installments in 

each of the 2005 through 2014 fiscal years. 

New contract listings for FY 2006 were posted on May 1, 2006. Additional information can be found on the FSA Web site (http://www.fsa.usda.gov/tobacco). 

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers (TAA) provides technical assistance and 

cash benefits to eligible producers of raw agricultural commodities, such as fish or 

blueberries, after an associated industry group petitions the Secretary for assistance. 

Producers may be eligible for TAA assistance if the national average price in the 

most recent marketing year for a commodity is less than 80 percent of the national 

average price in the preceding 5 marketing years as a result of increased imports of 

that commodity. The program is authorized through 2007.

47 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
48 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Tree Assistance Program

The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provides assistance to eligible producers of trees 

or tree products to replant trees, bushes, and vines grown for the production of an 

annual crop but lost due to a natural disaster. The tree losses must meet the criteria in 

TAP regulations. CCC provides funding when authorized.

Youth Loans

FSA makes loans to individual rural youths between the ages of 10 and 20 years to 

establish and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with 

their participation in 4-H clubs, FFA, and similar organizations. Each project must be 

part of an organized and supervised program of work. The project must be planned 

and operated with the help of the organization adviser, produce sufficient income 

to repay the loan, and provide the youth with practical business and educational 

experience.

Farm Loan Programs

Agricultural Mediation Program

The Agricultural Mediation Program helps agricultural producers, their lenders, 

and other persons directly affected by the actions of USDA to resolve disputes. A 

trained, impartial mediator reviews conflicts, identifies options, and assists in settling 

disputes between participants in many different USDA program areas. These include 

farm loans, farm and conservation programs, wetland determinations, rural water 

loan programs, grazing on national forest system lands, pesticides, rural housing 

loans, rural business loans, crop insurance, and other issues as the Secretary may 

subsequently consider appropriate.

49 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Loans

FSA provides direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and ranchers who 

are unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources. 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 he or she is 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 

average-size farm in the county.

Boll Weevil Eradication Loan Program

The Boll Weevil Eradication Loan Program provides low-interest loans to nonprofit 

organizations that work collaboratively with State agencies, USDA’s Animal and 

Plant Health Inspection Service, and the National Cotton Council to eradicate the 

boll weevil. The program objective is to assist producers and State government 

agencies in the eradication of boll weevils from cotton-producing areas.

Debt for Nature Program

The Debt for Nature Program, also known as the Debt Cancellation Conservation 

Contract Program, is available to persons with FSA loans secured by real estate who 

may qualify for cancellation of a portion of their FSA indebtedness in exchange for a 

conservation contract with a term of 50, 30, or 10 years. A conservation contract is a 

voluntary legal agreement that restricts the type and amount of development that may 

occur on part of a landowner’s property. Contracts may be established on marginal 

cropland and other environmentally sensitive lands for conservation, recreation, and 

wildlife purposes.

Direct Farm Ownership Loan Program

FSA direct farm ownership loans help recipients to purchase farmland, construct 

or repair buildings and other fixtures, and promote soil and water conservation. To 

qualify for a direct farm ownership loan, the applicant must be unable to obtain 

commercial credit, show sufficient repayment ability, pledge enough collateral to 

fully secure the loan, and meet all eligibility requirements.

Direct Operating Loan Program

FSA direct farm operating loans help recipients to purchase items such as livestock, 

farm equipment, feed, seed, fuel, farm chemicals, and insurance and to cover other 

operating expenses. These loans can also serve to pay for minor improvements to 

buildings, costs associated with land and water development, family subsistence, and 

refinancing debts under certain conditions.

Down Payment Farm Ownership Loans

Down Payment Farm Ownership loans were developed to help beginning farmers 

and ranchers purchase a farm or ranch. These loans provide a way for retiring 

farmers to transfer their land to a future generation of farmers and ranchers. 

50 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Emergency Loan Program

FSA provides emergency loans to help producers recover from production and 

physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters, or quarantine. 

Emergency loans may be made to farmers and ranchers who own or operate land 

located in a county declared by the President as a disaster area or designated by the 

Secretary of Agriculture as a disaster area or quarantine area. (For physical losses 

only, the FSA Administrator may authorize emergency loan assistance. Tribal chair 

persons, or leaders, may request that their federally recognized reservation, or 

portion thereof, be designated a Secretarial disaster area.) 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 refinance certain debts.

Guaranteed Farm Ownership Loan Program

These 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 are targeted to beginning farmers and ranchers and socially 

disadvantaged applicants. These loans may be made to purchase farmland, construct 

or repair buildings and other fixtures, develop farmland to promote soil and water 

conservation, or refinance debt.

Guaranteed Operating Loan Program

These FSA-guaranteed loans provide lenders (banks, Farm Credit System institutions, or 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 are targeted to beginning farmers and ranchers and to socially 

disadvantaged applicants. 

Guaranteed Operating Loans may be made to purchase livestock, farm equipment, 

feed, seed, fuel, farm chemicals, repairs, and insurance and to cover other operating 

expenses. Guaranteed Operating Loans also can be used to pay for minor improvements to buildings, costs associated with land and water development, family living 

expenses, and the refinancing of debts under certain conditions.

51 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Homestead Protection Program

If FSA has exhausted all loan servicing options and forecloses on a property as 

required by law, then this program allows the borrower to lease, for up to 5 years, 

property containing the borrower’s primary residence, as well as up to 10 adjoining 

acres of land. The lease may contain an option to purchase.

Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program

These acquisition loans enable Indian tribes to purchase privately held lands that lie 

within their reservations. Loan funds may pay for expenses incidental to the purchase 

of the land, but not for land development.

Primary Loan Servicing Program

The Primary Loan Servicing Program gives options to borrowers who, for reasons 

beyond their control, are unable to make the scheduled payments on their debt to 

the U.S. Government. These options may include consolidation, loan rescheduling, 

deferral, or interest rate reduction. The program allows the delinquent FSA borrower 

to attain, or maintain, a current loan status while at the same time regaining a solid 

financial footing for the long term.

Commodity Operations

Domestic and Foreign Food Assistance Program

USDA, through FSA, donates food to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and to Federal, 

tribal, State, and other private and nonprofit agencies in the United States. USDAcontributed food items are used in school lunch programs; summer camps for kids; 

the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; and 

other organizations, charities, and programs that help needy persons. 

In addition, agricultural commodities are donated to foreign or international relief 

agencies to help feed people around the world. FAS organizes the delivery of the 

donated food to international development and humanitarian organizations operating 

in dozens of other countries. Food donations also assist in the FAS Food for Progress 

program, which helps countries working to transition to market-oriented economies.

Extra Long Staple Cotton Competitiveness Payments

This program provides commodity certificates or cash to domestic users and exporters of extra long staple cotton when certain price conditions exist.

United States Warehouse Act

The United States Warehouse Act (USWA) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture 

to license warehouse operators who store agricultural products. Warehouse operators 

that apply must meet USDA standards established within the USWA and its regulations. Application is voluntary. Applicants agree to be licensed under the USWA, 

observe the rules for licensing, and pay associated user fees.

52 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Additional Information

Whom To Contact: For additional information on FSA programs, contact your 

local or State FSA office or visit the FSA Web site (www.fsa.usda.gov). USDA 

offices are generally listed in the telephone book under the Federal Government 

headings: Look for “U.S. Department of Agriculture.” 

FSA publishes factsheets that summarize the terms of the present year’s program for 

various commodities as well as covering topics such as loan programs and conservations. The factsheets are available online on the FSA Web site (http://www.fsa.usda.

gov). 

If you have FSA-specific questions to which you would like an expert to respond, 

you can submit them online through the “Ask FSA” feature on the FSA Web site 

(select “Contact Us” and “Ask FSA.”

Administering Agency: Farm Service Agency, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, 

SW, Washington, DC 20250-0506 (Web site: http://www.fsa.usda.gov). Office of 

External Affairs—telephone: 202-720-3865; fax: 202-720-4034.

Risk Management Agency

The Risk Management Agency (RMA), created in 1996, helps producers manage 

their business risks through effective, market-based risk management solutions. 

RMA’s mission is to promote, support, and regulate sound risk management 

solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of America’s agricultural 

producers. As part of this mission, RMA operates and manages the crop insurance 

programs for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), founded in 1938.

The agency currently has three divisions: Insurance Services, Product Management, 

and Compliance. Insurance Services is responsible for program delivery (i.e., 

managing the contracts with the private insurance companies that sell and service the 

crop insurance policies), risk management education, and management of underwriting 

field offices providing local program administration and support. Product Management 

is responsible for overseeing product analysis, product administration, and actuarial 

and product design. Compliance evaluates policy and procedures, monitors compliance 

with program provisions by both producers and the private insurance companies that 

sell and service policies, and manages the compliance field offices. 

On behalf of FCIC, RMA reinsures crop insurance policies sold and serviced by 

private crop insurance companies. These policies cover losses due to natural causes 

such as drought, excessive moisture, hail, wind, frost, insects, and disease. RMA, 

on behalf of FCIC, develops or approves the premium rate, administers premium 

and expense subsidy, and approves and supports products with respect to the crop 

insurance policies FCIC reinsures. 

53 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
In addition, RMA sponsors educational and outreach programs and seminars on the 

general topic of risk management. The RMA Web site features additional information about RMA, including agency news, State profiles, and other publications; 

summaries of insurance sales; information on pilot programs; downloadable crop 

policies; and agency-sponsored events. The site also features online tools and 

applications. The most popular applications are the Agent Locator, the Premium 

Calculator, and the Summary of Business.

Additional Information

Whom to Contact: For additional information, visit the RMA Web site (http://

www.rma.usda.gov) or contact the Administrator, Risk Management Agency, 

USDA, Room 6092, South Building, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-0801 (telephone: 202-690-2803; fax: 202-690-2818; e-mail: 

rma.mail@rma.usda.gov). 

Regional RMA offices, which serve all 50 States and Puerto Rico, keep in close 

contact with local producers, grower groups, universities, and government agencies. 

Information on the locations of these offices, additional RMA information, and crop 

or livestock protection insurance agent locator information are available from the 

Risk Management Agency, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 

DC 20250-0801 or from the RMA Web site (http://www.rma.usda.gov). 

Administering Agency: Risk Management Agency, USDA, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0801 (telephone: 202-690-2803; e-mail: rma.

mail@rma.usda.gov; Web site: http://www.rma.usda.gov).

Foreign Agricultural Service

With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and offices worldwide, the Foreign 

Agricultural Service (FAS) works to improve foreign market access for U.S. 

products, build new markets, improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture 

in the global marketplace, and provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign 

countries.

FAS has the primary responsibility for USDA’s international activities, including 

market development, trade agreements and negotiations, and the collection and 

analysis of statistics and market information. It has a global network of agricultural 

economists, marketing experts, negotiators, and other specialists that few organizations can equal. 

FAS agricultural counselors, attachés, trade officers, and locally employed staff in 

more than 90 countries support U.S. agricultural interests. The agency’s overseas 

offices serve as the Department’s “eyes and ears” for monitoring international issues. 

54 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
The agency makes trade assistance available to U.S. exporters. The FAS Web site 

(http://www.fas.usda.gov) provides the names of FAS contacts at embassies located 

throughout the world as well as other helpful information on exporting from the 

United States. 

In addition, FAS administers USDA’s export credit guarantee and food aid programs 

and helps increase income and food availability in developing nations by mobilizing 

expertise for agriculturally led economic growth. The agency also works to enhance 

U.S. agriculture’s competitiveness by providing linkages to global resources and 

international organizations. 

Market Access Program

The Market Access Program (MAP) uses funds from CCC to aid in the creation, 

expansion, and maintenance of foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products. MAP 

forms a partnership between USDA and nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade associations, U.S. agricultural cooperatives, nonprofit State-regional trade groups, and small 

U.S. businesses to share the costs of overseas marketing and promotional activities 

such as consumer promotions, market research, trade shows, and trade servicing. 

Each year, MAP helps launch and expand sales of U.S. agricultural, fish, and forest 

products overseas. Among MAP recipients is a Native American organization that 

supports international marketing.

Foreign Market Development Program

For more than 50 years, the Foreign Market Development Program has fostered a 

trade promotion partnership between USDA and U.S. agricultural producers and 

processors represented by nonprofit U.S. commodity or trade associations called 

Cooperators. Under this partnership, USDA and the Cooperators pool their technical 

and financial resources to conduct overseas market development activities.

The Cooperator program benefits U.S. farmers, processors, and exporters by assisting 

their organizations in developing new foreign markets and increasing market share 

in existing markets. Overseas promotions focus on generic U.S. commodities rather 

than individual brand-name products and target long-term development.

The Cooperator program has helped support growth in U.S. agricultural exports by 

enlisting private sector involvement and resources in coordinated efforts to promote 

U.S. products to foreign importers and consumers around the world.

55 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Emerging Markets Program

The Emerging Markets Program provides funding for technical assistance activities to promote exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products to emerging 

markets. The program helps public and private organizations to improve market 

access by developing, maintaining, or enhancing U.S. exports to low- and middleincome countries that have market-oriented economies and can be viable markets. 

Funding may be used only to support exports of U.S. agricultural commodities 

and products through generic activities. Projects that endorse or promote branded 

products are not eligible for the program. 

Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops

The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program funds projects that address 

phytosanitary or other technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. 

specialty crops. The program covers all cultivated plants and their products produced 

in the United States except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, 

and tobacco. Activities include seminars, workshops, study tours, field surveys, pest 

and disease research, and pre-clearance programs. Any U.S. organization is eligible 

to participate, including Federal agencies, State agencies, nonprofit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, and private companies. 

Quality Samples Program

The Quality Samples Program helps U.S. agricultural trade organizations provide 

small samples of their agricultural products to potential importers overseas. 

Manufacturers overseas can use the samples to assess how U.S. food and fiber 

products can best meet their production needs. Any U.S. private or government entity 

with a demonstrated role or interest in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities may 

apply to participate in the program. 

Export Credit Guarantee Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers a short-term export credit guarantee 

program for commercial financing of U.S. agricultural exports. The Export Credit 

Guarantee Program (GSM-102) protects U.S. exporters or U.S. financial institutions 

against risk if the importer’s foreign bank fails to make a payment.

Facility Guarantee Program

The Facility Guarantee Program provides payment guarantees to facilitate the 

financing of goods and services to improve or establish agriculture-related facilities 

in emerging markets. By supporting such facilities, the Facility Guarantee Program 

intends to enhance sales of U.S. agricultural commodities and products to emerging 

markets where the demand for such commodities and products may be constricted 

because of inadequate storage, processing, or handling capabilities for such products. 

56 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Food Aid 

FAS helps provide U.S. agricultural commodities to feed millions of hungry people 

in needy countries. The Food for Progress program, authorized by the Food for 

Progress Act of 1985, provides for the donation or sale on credit terms of U.S. 

commodities to developing countries and emerging democracies that have made 

commitments to introduce or expand free enterprise elements in their agriculture 

economies. Donations have accounted for all food aid under this program. CCC 

funds may be used to purchase commodities for use in the program. 

The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program 

provides for donations of U.S. agricultural products, as well as financial and technical assistance, to carry out school feeding programs in foreign countries to improve 

food security, reduce hunger, and improve education and to carry out maternal and 

child nutrition programs. The commodities are made available for donation through 

agreements with private voluntary organizations, cooperatives, intergovernmental 

organizations, and foreign governments. Commodities may be donated for direct 

feeding or for local sale to generate proceeds to support school feeding and nutrition 

projects.

Food and Agriculture Trade Shows

Each year, FAS sponsors and endorses about 25 food and agricultural trade shows 

that provide good avenues for entering the best potential markets for U.S. products. 

FAS works with show organizers to provide a range of marketing and public 

relations services as well as guidance for new-to-market and new-to-exporting 

companies. Participation in all shows is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trade Capacity Building

FAS carries out a broad array of international training, technical assistance, and other 

collaborative activities with developing and transitional countries to facilitate trade 

and promote food security. In order to increase the benefits to developing nations 

participating in global agricultural markets, the agency offers numerous tradecapacity-building programs. 

FAS helps nations understand and prepare for meeting World Trade Organization 

(WTO) requirements. The agency also helps countries focus on the critical role that 

science and technology can play in raising agricultural productivity in an environmentally sustainable way. This includes assistance in developing appropriate policies 

and institutions to facilitate research and technology transfer in order to increase 

incomes, reduce hunger, and improve nutrition.

The agency’s Cochran and Borlaug Fellowship Programs bring agriculturists to the 

United States to expose them to U.S. economic policies, agricultural technologies, 

business practices and products, biotechnology benefits and safeguards, and other 

areas. Around the globe, FAS responds to special needs as they arise (e.g., contributing to reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan and helping countries develop 

agricultural institutions and policies). 

57 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Additional Information

Whom to Contact: For information on FAS programs, contact the Public Affairs 

Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, AG Box 1004, Washington, DC 

20250-1004 (telephone: 202-720-3448). Information on FAS and its programs can 

also be found on the FAS Web site (http://www.fas.usda.gov). (For additional staff 

contacts, select “Contact Us” on the FAS Web site.)

Administering Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-720-3448; Web site: http://

www.fas.usda.gov).

58 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy 

and quality of life in all of rural America by providing financial programs 

to support essential public facilities and services such as water and sewer 

systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities, and electric and 

telephone service. Rural Development promotes economic development by providing loans, loan guarantees, and other assistance to applicants such as banks and 

community-managed lending pools while also helping communities to participate in 

community empowerment programs. The mission statement for Rural Development 

is “to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for all rural 

Americans.”

All of Rural Development’s funding resources can be used on reservations and 

for Native American homeowners, homebuyers, and entrepreneurs. Successful 

partnerships with individuals and tribes are a priority for Rural Development. Rural 

Development has financed tribal water systems, housing, businesses, health clinics, 

and other essential community facilities and modern telecommunications, including 

broadband and electric generation systems. In order to recognize tribal sovereignty 

and the trust status of tribal lands, it is often necessary to work in cooperation with 

tribal councils, tribal ordinances, or other agencies such as the Indian Health Service 

of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Bureau of Indian Affairs 

of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development.

59 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
Rural Development is always working to eliminate substandard housing from rural 

America by helping rural customers buy, build, or rent decent housing. We also 

create jobs by funding the growth and creation of businesses and cooperatives. In 

a typical year, Rural Development programs create or preserve more than 100,000 

rural jobs, enable 40,000 to 50,000 rural Americans to buy homes, and help nearly 

500,000 low-income rural tenants rent apartments or other housing.

Other Rural Development programs help rural communities build or improve 

community facilities such as schools, health clinics, and fire stations. Rural 

Development also has programs that help rural communities build or extend utilities 

such as water, electricity, and telecommunications services.

Assistance is available in many ways, including direct or guaranteed loans, grants, 

technical assistance, research, and educational materials. To accomplish its mission, 

Rural Development often works in partnership with State, local, and tribal governments as well as with rural businesses, cooperatives, and nonprofit agencies.

Rural Development delivers programs in four areas:

The Utilities Programs address rural America’s need for basic services 

such as clean running water, sewage and waste disposal; electricity; and 

telecommunications. 

The Housing Programs address rural America’s need for single-family and multifamily housing as well as health facilities, fire and police stations, and other 

community facilities. 

The Business Programs provide help to rural areas that need to develop new 

job opportunities, allowing businesses and cooperatives to remain viable in a 

changing economy. 

The Community Development Programs provide special initiatives to demonstrate 

effective community development techniques and address unique and pressing 

economic development issues.

In summary, Rural Development works in partnership with other entities—such 

as State, local, and tribal governments, private and nonprofit organizations, and 

member-owned cooperatives—to revitalize rural areas. 

Rural Development programs are available across the Nation through 47 State offices 

and 800 area and local offices. Information on your nearest Rural Development State 

Office can be accessed on the Rural Development Web site (http://www.rurdev.

usda.gov) at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html.

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60 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
Utilities Programs

Modern utilities came to rural America through some of the most successful government initiatives in American history. To carry out these initiatives, USDA worked 

with rural cooperatives, nonprofit associations, public bodies, and for-profit utilities. 

Today, USDA Rural Development carries on this tradition by helping rural utilities 

to expand and update their technology and to establish new and vital services such 

as distance learning, telemedicine, and broadband Internet connectivity. The publicprivate partnership forged between Rural Development and these industries results in 

billions of dollars in rural infrastructure development and creates thousands of jobs 

for the rural American economy.

Planning for, developing, and maintaining a community’s physical infrastructure is 

essential both for service to current residents and for future economic competitiveness. 

For the Nation’s rural areas to succeed, citizens must have affordable access to water, 

sewerage, solid waste disposal, electricity, telecommunications services, and highspeed broadband, spurring business growth and increasing residence in rural areas.

Rural Development Utilities Program Tools

USDA Rural Development is able to offer loans and competitive grants for all types 

of community infrastructure. In addition, we work with our partners to provide 

technical assistance to communities to help local leaders make infrastructure 

decisions and obtain financing from multiple sources.

The utilities program provides water and waste disposal loans and grants, solid waste 

management grants, broadband, distance learning and telemedicine loans and grants, 

and other technical assistance and training grants. Electric and telephone loans are 

available through rural utilities field representatives.

Below are descriptions of primary utilities programs. For more information about 

any of these program areas, contact Rural Development at a local office or State 

office, or the nearest USDA Service Center. USDA offices are generally listed in the 

telephone book under the Federal Government headings: look for “U.S. Department 

of Agriculture.”

Electric Program

Providing reliable, affordable electricity is essential to the economic well-being and 

quality of life for all of the Nation’s rural residents. The Electric Program provides 

leadership and capital to upgrade, expand, maintain, and replace America’s vast 

rural electric infrastructure. Under the authority of the Rural Electrification Act 

of 1936, Rural Development makes direct loans and loan guarantees to electric 

utilities to serve customers in rural areas. Through the Electric Program, the Federal 

Government is the majority note holder for more than 700 electric systems.

61 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
In addition, the Electric Program makes loans and loan guarantees to finance the 

construction of electric distribution, transmission, and generation facilities, including system improvements and replacement required to furnish and improve electric 

service in rural areas to meet changing environmental requirements. Loans and loan 

guarantees also support demand-side management, energy conservation programs, 

and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems.

The Electric Program makes loans to corporations, States, Indian tribes, territories 

and subdivisions, and agencies such as municipalities, people’s utility districts, and 

cooperative, nonprofit, limited-dividend, or mutual associations that provide retail 

electric service to rural areas or supply the power needs of distribution borrowers in rural areas. The Electric Program also provides financial assistance to rural 

communities with extremely high energy costs to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, 

and otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities. 

Rural Development’s Electric Program services approximately 700 active electric 

borrowers in 47 States.

Water and Environmental Program

The Water and Environmental Program (WEP) provides a combination of loans, 

grants, and loan guarantees for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste, and storm 

drainage facilities in rural areas and cities and towns of 10,000 or less. Public bodies, 

nonprofit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes may apply for assistance. 

WEP also makes grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance 

and training to assist rural communities with water, wastewater, and solid waste 

management.

62 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
Telecommunications Program

The Telecommunications Program provides many programs for financing rural 

America’s telecommunications infrastructure. The “traditional” infrastructure loan 

program, consisting of hardship rate, Treasury rate, and guaranteed loans, provides 

financing of broadband and other advanced services such as the Distance Learning 

and Telemedicine Program (DLT). The DLT program continues its mission to 

wire our schools and improve health care delivery in rural America. Through the 

Community Connect Grant Program, unserved areas may be eligible to receive 

grants that provide, on a “community-oriented connectivity” basis, broadband 

transmission service that fosters economic growth, delivers enhanced education and 

health care, and provides for public safety.

Since 1995, every telephone line constructed with Telecommunications Program 

financing has been capable of providing broadband service using digital subscriber 

loop (DSL) technology. 

In addition, the Telecommunications Program has been tasked with administering several new and developing programs for improving the quality of life in rural 

America. The Broadband Program, a loan program designed specifically to increase 

the rate of deployment of technology to small towns in rural areas, has enabled Rural 

Development to step beyond its traditional definition of rural (towns of 5,000 or 

less), and fund borrowers serving communities of up to 20,000 inhabitants. Another 

program, the Weather Radio Grant Program, provides funding for weather radio 

transmitters in rural areas, enabling the installation of early warning systems that 

save lives.

The borrowers of the Telecommunications Program have been at work for more than 

50 years to solve challenges associated with serving rural America. Rural carriers are 

providing more access and a higher deployment rate of access. Rural Development 

hopes to continue to help those carriers continue that trend through its financing 

programs.

Additional Information

Whom to Contact: Utilities Programs, National Office, USDA Rural Development, 

Room 4051-S, Mail Stop 1510, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 

20250-1510 (telephone: 202-720-9540; TTY: 800-877-8339 [Federal Information 

Relay Service]; fax: 202-720-1725; Web site: http://www.usda.gov/rus).

Administering Agency: USDA Rural Development, Room 205-W, Mail Stop 0107, 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0107 (telephone: 202-720-

4581; TTY: 800-877-8339 [Federal Information Relay Service]; fax: 202-720-2080; 

Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov). 

Rural Development programs are available across the Nation through 47 State offices 

and 800 area and local offices. Information on your nearest Rural Development State 

Office can be accessed on the Rural Development Web site (http://www.rurdev.

usda.gov) at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html.

63 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
Housing and Community Facilities Program

One of Rural Development’s key goals is to improve the quality of life in rural areas. 

In 2004, USDA marked its 55th year of financing homes for rural residents. 

Rural Development helps rural communities and individuals by providing loans 

and grants for housing and community facilities. Funding supports single-family 

homes, apartments for low-income persons or the elderly, housing for farm laborers, 

childcare centers, fire and police stations, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, schools, 

and other needed facilities.

In partnership with nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes, State and Federal 

Government agencies, and local communities, Rural Development creates packages 

of technical assistance and loan and grant funds. These resources not only strengthen 

existing partnerships, but cultivate and sustain relationships with borrowers and 

grantees as well.

Rural Development Housing Program Tools

Providing safe and affordable housing for low and moderate-income rural Americans 

is central to Rural Development’s mission. Quality housing provides an economic 

benefit to communities and gives individuals and families a sound footing, enabling 

their success.

The housing program delivers its services through direct and guaranteed singlefamily home loans, self-help housing loans, loans and grants for housing 

improvement and renovation, and housing preservation grants. Rural rental housing 

loans allow for construction and renovation of rental units for low-income residents 

in rural areas. Rental assistance provides subsidized rent to low-income individuals, 

families, and elderly resident occupants of USDA-financed rental properties.

Below are descriptions of primary housing programs. For more information on 

any of these programs, contact your local Rural Development office, State Rural 

Development office, or the nearest USDA Service Center. USDA offices are 

generally listed in the telephone book under the Federal Government headings: look 

for “U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

64 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
Single Family Housing Program

The Single Family Housing Program offers two types of home-ownership loans: 

guaranteed and direct. The purpose is to provide home ownership opportunities to 

low- and moderate-income rural families and individuals through financing—with 

no down payment and at favorable rates and terms—either through a direct loan with 

the Single Family Housing Program or with a loan from a private financial institution that is guaranteed by the Housing Program. These loans are for the purchase, 

construction, rehabilitation, or relocation of a home. Grants are also available for 

home repair, rehabilitation, self-help technical assistance, and other ventures. Here is 

a full list of programs in the Single Family Housing Program:

Rural Housing Guaranteed Loans

Rural Housing Direct Loans

Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Loans

Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Grants

Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants

Mutual Self-Help Loans

Rural Housing Site Loans

Individual Water and Waste Grants

Housing Application Packaging Grants

Individual applicants are eligible if they meet income limits and other eligibility 

requirements for the specific type of assistance requested.

Multi-Family Housing Program

This program is designed to increase the supply of affordable multi-family housing 

through partnerships between Rural Development’s Housing Program and major 

lending sources, as well as State, tribal, and local housing finance agencies and bond 

insurers. The program provides effective new forms of financing for the development 

of affordable multi-family housing. Following is a full list of programs in the MultiFamily Housing Program:

Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants

Rural Rental Housing 

Housing Preservation Grant 

Guaranteed Rental Housing 

Rental Assistance Program

The applicant in the Guaranteed Rental Housing Program is the lender, who will use 

the guarantee as a credit enhancement and so be more likely to make the loan. The 

lender must be approved by the Housing Program or HUD, or be a State Housing 

Finance agency. The projects must be located in rural areas as defined by USDA 

Rural Development. Occupants must be very-low-income, low-income, moderateincome, elderly, handicapped, or disabled. Income may not exceed 115 percent of the 

area median income.

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Community Facilities Programs

Community Facilities go hand in hand with economic development. For rural towns 

and communities to succeed, they must have an affordable means of providing water, 

sewerage and solid waste disposal, and electric and telecommunications services. 

Communities are also enhanced when they can obtain affordable financing for singlefamily and multi-family housing and the schools, libraries, hospitals, fire stations, 

and other facilities needed and desired by their residents. Rural Development can 

assist in all these areas either directly through our programs or indirectly by accurate 

referrals to partner agencies.

Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program offers and coordinates capacity 

building, technical assistance, and financing assistance for rural communities and 

Indian tribes. It also delivers the agency’s Community Facilities Loan and Grant 

Programs, which can contribute financing to local governments and nonprofits 

for buildings and/or equipment related to essential community services such as 

education, health care, libraries, and fire protection.

The Community Facilities Program administers programs designed to finance and 

facilitate the development of essential community facilities and services in rural 

areas. These facilities include hospitals, clinics, elder care facilities, child care, fire 

and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings, vocational 

and medical rehabilitation centers, group homes, schools, educational and cultural 

facilities, and public transportation. 

The following table provides examples of projects that may be eligible for essential 

community facilities under the Community Facilities Loan and Grant Programs.

66 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
Examples of Projects That May Be Eligible

For Essential Community Facilities

Community Health Care

Dental Clinic 

Nursing Home 

Assisted Living Facility 

Physicians Clinic 

Boarding Home for the Elderly 

Hospital (General and Surgical) 

Medical Rehabilitation Center 

Psychiatric Hospital 

Outpatient Clinic

Cultural and Educational

All Purpose Buildings/College 

Campus 

Colleges 

Educational Camp for Physically and 

Mentally Challenged 

Library 

Museum 

Outdoor Theatre 

Public School 

School Maintenance and Equipment 

Service Center Vocational School

Energy Transmission and Distribution

Electric Equipment 

Maintenance Building 

Low Head Hydro-Electric Facility 

Natural Gas Distribution

Fire, Rescue, and Public Safety

Civil Defense Building 

Communications Center 

Fire Department Building 

Fire Trucks 

Jail 

Mobile Communications Center 

Multi-Service Fire/Rescue Building

Equipment Building Jaws of Life

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Community Support Buildings and 

Improvements

Adult Day Care Center 

Child Day Care Center 

City Hall 

Community Health Department 

County Office Building 

Community Center 

County Courthouse 

Courthouse Annex 

Data Processing Center 

Food Preparation Center 

Food Storage and Distribution Center 

Heating Plant for Public Buildings 

Home for Delinquents

Public Maintenance Building

Transportation

Airport Hanger 

Airport 

Bridge 

City Airport 

Municipal and County Garage 

Off-street Parking 

Municipal Dock 

Special Transportation Equipment

Sidewalks 

Street Improvements 

Infrastructure for Industrial Park 

Railroad 

Town Bus Service/Equipment 

Marina 

Utility

Telemedicine/Distance Learning 

Natural Gas

Other

Agricultural Fairgrounds 

Animal Shelter 

Dike 

Oceanfront Protection 

Special Services Building 

Sprinkler System

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67 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
Direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for eligible projects are available to 

public entities such as tribal governments, municipalities, counties, special-purpose 

districts, and nonprofit corporations. In addition, applicants must have the legal 

authority to borrow and repay loans, to pledge security of loans, and to construct, 

operate, and maintain the facilities. They must also be financially sound and able to 

organize and manage the facility effectively. Repayment of the loan must be based 

on tax assessments, revenues, fees, or other sources of funds sufficient for operation 

and maintenance, reserves, and debt retirement.

Additional Information

Whom to Contact: Housing Programs, National Office, USDA Rural Development, 

Room 5014-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 0701, Washington, DC 

20250-0701 (telephone: 202-690-1533; TTY: 800-877-8339 [Federal Information 

Relay Service]; fax: 202-690-0500; Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs).

Housing Programs Centralized Servicing Center: P.O. Box 66889, St. Louis, MO 

63166 (telephone: 1-800/414-1226 [toll free]; TTY: 800-438-1832 [toll free]; fax: 

314-206-2805).

Administering Agency: USDA Rural Development, Room 205-W, 1400 

Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 0107, Washington, DC 20250-0107 

(telephone: 202-720-4581; TTY: 800-877-8339 [Federal Information Relay Service]; 

fax: 202-720-2080; Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov). 

Rural Development programs are available across the Nation through 47 State offices 

and 800 area and local offices. Information on your nearest Rural Development State 

Office can be accessed on the Rural Development Web site (http://www.rurdev.

usda.gov) at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html.

68 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
Business and Cooperative Programs

The mission of Rural Business and Cooperative Programs is “to enhance the quality 

of life for rural Americans by providing leadership in building competitive businesses, 

including sustainable cooperatives that can prosper in the global marketplace.” Rural 

Development meets these goals by investing financial resources in and providing 

technical assistance to businesses and cooperatives located in rural communities and 

by establishing strategic alliances and partnerships that leverage public, private, and 

cooperative resources to create jobs and stimulate rural economic activity.

Rural Development Business and 

Cooperative Program Tools

The Rural Business and Cooperative Programs deliver support through business 

and industry loan guarantees, the Intermediary Relending Program, Rural Business 

Enterprise Grants, and Rural Business Opportunity Grants as well as through the 

cooperative program.

Promoting a dynamic business environment in rural America is the goal of the 

Rural Development Business Programs (BP). BP works in partnership with the 

private sector and community-based organizations to provide financial assistance 

and business planning. It also helps fund projects that create or preserve quality jobs 

and/or promote a clean rural environment.

The financial resources of BP are often leveraged with those of other public and 

private credit source lenders to meet business and credit needs in underserved areas. 

Recipients of these programs may be individuals, corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, public bodies, nonprofit corporations, Indian tribes, and private companies.

Below are descriptions of primary business programs. For more information on 

any of these programs, contact your local Rural Development office, State Rural 

Development office, or the nearest USDA Service Center. USDA offices are 

generally listed in the telephone book under the Federal Government headings: look 

for “U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

Business and Industry Loan Guarantees

A central objective of Rural Development is to participate in the improvement, 

development, or financing of business and industry and to improve the employment 

and economic climate in rural communities. This objective is achieved through 

bolstering the existing private credit structure by providing up to 90 percent guarantees on quality loans to provide lasting job creation and community benefits. It is not 

intended that the guarantee authority be used for marginal or substandard loans or to 

“bail out” lenders with such loans. 

Intermediary Re-lending Program

BP helps to finance business facilities and community development projects in 

communities of 25,000 or less by making these loans to nonprofit intermediaries, 

which in turn provide loans to businesses in a rural area. 

69 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
Rural Business Enterprise Grants

Rural Development can make rural business enterprise grants to Indian tribes, public 

bodies, and nonprofits to assist small and emerging private business enterprises. 

Funds may be used to conduct feasibility studies, provide technical assistance, or 

establish a revolving loan fund. 

Rural Business Opportunity Grants

Rural Development can make rural business opportunity grants to Indian tribes, 

public bodies, and nonprofits to promote economic development initiatives in rural 

communities with exceptional needs. This is accomplished by providing planning, 

technical assistance, and training.

Rural Economic Development Loans

To promote rural economic development and job creation projects, Rural 

Development can provide a “zero interest” Rural Economic Development loan to an 

electric or telephone utility that it finances.

Rural Economic Development Grants

Rural Development can provide grants from the business and cooperative programs 

to rural communities through rural utilities borrowers. These grants can be used for 

revolving loan funds, for community facilities and infrastructure, and for assistance 

in conjunction with an REDL.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (the Farm Bill) established the 

Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program under 

Title IX, Section 9006. This program currently funds grants and loan guarantees 

to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for assistance with purchasing 

renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements.

Cooperative Program Overview

The mission of Rural Development’s Cooperative Program is to promote understanding and use of the cooperative form of business as a viable organizational option for 

marketing and distributing agricultural products. We serve cooperative members, 

directors, management, educational institutions, organizations, rural residents, and all 

others with an interest in the cooperative form of business. We strive to assist them to 

use cooperatives effectively to improve their economic well-being and quality of life.

Across the Nation, the Cooperative Program has assisted small agricultural producers in forming business cooperatives to stabilize and increase incomes. Other small 

business owners may find it beneficial to form a cooperative for reasons such as 

shared marketing, supply purchases, or research and development.

70 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
The Cooperative Program helps rural residents not only form new cooperative 

businesses but also improve the operations of existing cooperatives. To accomplish 

this, the program provides technical assistance, conducts cooperative-related 

research, and produces informational products to promote public understanding of 

cooperatives and give a wide range of assistance to people interested in forming 

cooperatives. This help varies from an initial feasibility study to the creation and 

implementation of a business plan.

Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program

Rural Cooperative Development grants help establish and operate centers for 

cooperative development, primarily to encourage development of new cooperatives 

and improve operations of existing ones. The development of effective cooperative 

organizations in rural America is an important part of Rural Development’s efforts.

Value-Added Producer Grants

Grants may be used for planning activities and for working capital for marketing 

value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy. Eligible 

applicants are independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural 

producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.

Additional Information

Whom to Contact: Business and Cooperative Programs, National Office, USDA 

Rural Development, Room 5045-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 

3201, Washington, DC 20250-3201 (telephone: 202-690-4730; TTY: 800-877-8339 

[Federal Information Relay Service]; fax: 202-690-4737; Web site: http://www.

rurdev.usda.gov/rbs).

Administering Agency: USDA Rural Development, Room 205-W, Mail Stop 0107, 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0107 (telephone: 202-720-

4581; TTY: 800-877-8339 [Federal Information Relay Service]; fax: 202-720-2080; 

Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov). 

Rural Development programs are available across the Nation through 47 State offices 

and 800 area and local offices. Information on your nearest Rural Development State 

Office can be accessed on the Rural Development Web site (http://www.rurdev.

usda.gov) at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html.

71 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

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Community Development Programs

Rural Development administers community development programs. Each program 

and initiative promotes self-sustaining, long-term economic and community development in rural areas. The programs demonstrate how every rural community can 

achieve self-sufficiency through innovative and comprehensive strategic plans 

developed and implemented at a grassroots level. The programs stress continued 

local involvement and decisionmaking that is supported by partnerships among 

private, public, and nonprofit entities.

This effort promotes self-sustaining, long-term economic and community development in areas of pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress. The 

program works by helping distressed communities develop and implement innovative, comprehensive strategic plans supported by partnerships among private, public, 

and nonprofit entities. This assistance is available through Rural Development field 

offices to rural communities throughout the United States. The help includes technical assistance and support in obtaining additional financial resources and assistance 

in forging local and regional partnerships.

Rural Development’s Community Development Programs offer three rural 

community empowerment efforts: Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Communities 

(EZ/EC), Champion Communities, and Rural Economic Area Partnership Zones. 

The Community Development Programs office also administers the State Rural 

Development Councils through the National Rural Development Partnership.

Below are descriptions of primary community development programs. For more 

information on any of these programs, contact your local Rural Development office, 

State Rural Development office, or the nearest USDA Service Center. USDA offices 

are generally listed in the telephone book under the Federal Government headings: 

look for “U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

Rural Community Empowerment Program

The goal of the EZ/EC Program is to create empowered communities. These 

communities are able to implement self-generated strategic plans that solve 

economic and social challenges. The EZ/EC Program promotes Federal, State, and 

local agencies working cooperatively and in partnership with the private sector, 

nonprofit organizations, and communities. Applications were accepted for this 

program in three separate competitive funding rounds. Currently, applications are not 

being accepted, and the last EZ/EC designations are set to expire in 2009.

National Rural Development Partnership 

The National Rural Development Partnership (NRDP) builds collaborations among 

key rural institutions, enabling them to work more effectively and efficiently. The 

Partnership brings together partners from local, State, tribal, and Federal governments and from the for-profit and nonprofit sectors through State Rural Development 

Councils. Councils currently operate in about 40 States. 

72 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
NRDP acts as a nonpartisan forum for identifying, discussing, and acting on issues 

affecting rural America. The Partnership does not supplant, duplicate, or compete 

with any program, but rather facilitates coordination and collaboration among its 

partners to improve implementation of rural programs.

Technical Assistance

Technical assistance is provided to local communities and groups in planning rural 

development activities, partnership building, and essential community projects. 

Assistance often includes helping communities inventory their resources and 

identify the resources of others for local use. The program also offers support in 

obtaining additional financial resources and assistance in forging local and regional 

partnerships.

Additional Information

Whom to Contact: Community Development Programs, National Office, USDA 

Rural Development, Room 266, 300 7th Street, SW, Mail Stop 3203, Washington, 

DC 20250-3203 (telephone: 202-619-7980; TTY: 800-877-8339 [Federal Information 

Relay Service]; fax: 202- 401-7420; Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ocd).

Administering Agency: USDA Rural Development, Room 205-W, Mail Stop 0107, 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0107 (telephone: 202-720-

4581; TTY: 800- 877-8339 [Federal Information Relay Service]; fax: 202-720-2080; 

Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov). 

Rural Development programs are available across the Nation through 47 State offices 

and 800 area and local offices. Information on your nearest Rural Development State 

Office can be accessed on the Rural Development Web site (http://www.rurdev.

usda.gov) at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html.

Rural Development’s Support of American Indian and 

Alaska Native Customers

Rural Development employs a Native American Coordinator in the National Office 

in Washington, DC. Rural Development’s Native American Coordinator has five 

major roles:

To provide policy and program guidance to key agency personnel as it relates to 

the delivery of programs and resources to American Indian and Alaska Native 

clients.

To represent Rural Development in reaching out to Indian tribes, tribal officials, 

and advocacy organizations.

To coordinate policies and initiatives with other Federal agencies, financing 

institutions, and constituency groups.

To oversee and manage data analysis and research on American Indian and Alaska 

Native issues.

To initiate training initiatives and provide direct training to all Rural Development 

staff on a breadth of Native American issues.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

73 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
Rural Development also has a Native American Coordinator in each State that has 

a Federal- or State-recognized Indian tribe within its borders. The primary role of 

the individuals in these field positions is to coordinate the outreach efforts of Rural 

Development with the Indian tribes within their respective States. 

Additional Information

Whom To Contact: Tedd Buelow, Acting Native American Coordinator, USDA 

Rural Development, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Stop 3250, Washington, DC 

20250 (telephone: 202-690-1681; fax: 202-205-3215). 

You may find more information on Rural Development opportunities and activities 

with tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal members on Rural Development’s Web 

site for American Indian and Alaskan Native customers (http://www.rurdev.usda.

gov/rd/aian). The Web site also includes a State-by-State directory of American 

Indian and Alaska Native Program Information AI/AN Coordinators.

Administering Agency: USDA Rural Development, Room 205-W, 1400 

Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 0107, Washington, DC 20250-0107 

(telephone: 202-720-4581; TTY: 800-877-8339 [Federal Information Relay Service]; 

fax: 202-720-2080; Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov). 

Rural Development programs are available across the Nation through 47 State offices 

and 800 area and local offices. Information on your nearest Rural Development State 

Office can be accessed on the Rural Development Web site (http://www.rurdev.

usda.gov) at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html.

74 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Rural Development
USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS) mission area works 

to harness the Nation’s agricultural abundance to improve nutrition and 

health in the United States. FNCS ensures access to nutritious, healthful 

diets for all Americans, including American Indian communities. 

Through its nutrition assistance and nutrition education programs for consumers, 

FNCS encourages consumers to make healthful food choices. Today, rather than 

simply providing food, FNCS works to empower consumers with knowledge of the 

link between diet and health and with dietary guidance based on research.

Benefits to American Indian and

Alaska Native Tribes

Through FNCS’ Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and Center for Nutrition Policy 

and Promotion (CNPP), three types of programs provide benefits to American Indian 

and Alaska Native tribes:

American Indians or Indian tribes are included among designated beneficiaries 

of the Food Stamp Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for 

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Commodity Supplemental Food 

Program (CSFP).

Provisions of the law (or regulations, in the case of CSFP) routinely permit Indian 

Tribal Organizations to administer the CSFP and WIC, where appropriate. 

All low-income households, including American Indian households, may be 

eligible for the Food Stamp Program, while low-income households with pregnant 

and postpartum women and their infants and young children may also be eligible 

for WIC or CSFP. CSFP also serves the elderly.

Designed to benefit entire communities, the Food Distribution Program on Indian 

Reservations serves low-income households living on Indian reservations and 

low-income American Indian households living in approved service areas near 

reservations or in Oklahoma.

Programs not specifically naming American Indians or Indian tribes as beneficiaries 

do nevertheless benefit them. These include the following child nutrition programs: 

the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Child 

and Adult Care Food Program, the Special Milk Program, and the Summer Food 

Service Program. Children who participate in the Food Stamp Program or the 

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, described in this guide, are 

automatically eligible to receive free meals or free milk under these programs.

In addition, FNS provides surplus commodities, as available, to needy people 

in charitable institutions, and to States, Indian Tribal Organizations, and elderly 

nutrition projects under the Older Americans Act.

FNS also donates food to needy persons in declared areas through disaster relief 

agencies.

1.

2.

3.

75 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Food and Nutrition Service 

The Food and Nutrition Service seeks to improve the quality of nutritional intake, 

increase food security, and reduce hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet, 

and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires 

public confidence.

FNS also administers the nutrition assistance programs of USDA. The mission of 

FNS is to provide children and needy families better access to food and a more 

healthful diet through its nutrition assistance programs and comprehensive nutrition 

education efforts. FNS has elevated nutrition and nutrition education to a top priority 

in all its programs. In addition to providing access to nutritious food, FNS also works 

to empower program participants with knowledge of the link between diet and health.

FNS Programs

FNS was established as a separate agency on August 8, 1969, although many of the 

nutrition assistance programs long predated it. The Food Stamp Program, now the 

cornerstone of USDA’s nutrition assistance, began in its modern form in 1961. It 

originated in the Food Stamp Plan to help the needy in the 1930s. 

The National School Lunch Program also has its roots in Depression-era efforts to 

help children. The Needy Family Program, which evolved into the Food Distribution 

Program on Indian Reservations, was the primary means of food assistance for lowincome Americans during the Great Depression. 

76 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Above all, FNS is an action-oriented agency that works with other Federal and State 

agencies, Indian tribes, agricultural interests, and the general public to carry out its 

mission. FNS nutrition assistance programs provide a safety net to help the most 

vulnerable in our society meet their nutritional needs. 

FNS strives, through its programs, to empower all consumers with knowledge of 

the link between diet and health and to encourage consumers to make healthful food 

choices through nutrition education and promotion activities. The goal is to continue 

a long history of helping families and individuals secure a nutritious diet and to build 

on this success with targeted improvements in three areas—increasing program access, 

promoting better eating habits, and strengthening stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Primary FNS programs that are federally funded through FNS but administered at 

the State and local levels are described below. For national, State, and local contacts 

for each of the programs, contact the Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, 3101 Park 

Center Drive, Room 926, Alexandria, VA 22302 (telephone: 703-305-2062).

You may also obtain local office information about an FNS field or satellite office 

on the FNS Web site (http://www.fns.usda.gov), or you may wish to contact an 

FNS Regional Office near you (to access a listing of FNS Regional Offices, select 

“Contact Us” on the FNS Web site). USDA offices are generally listed in the 

telephone book under the Federal Government headings: look for “U.S. Department 

of Agriculture.” You can also find contact information on the FNS Web site (http://

www.fns.usda.gov) for the State agencies that administer the programs.

77 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides commodity foods to low-income households living on Indian reservations and to low-income 

American Indian households residing in approved service areas near reservations 

or in Oklahoma. Many households participate in the FDPIR as an alternative to the 

Food Stamp Program because they do not have easy access to food stamp offices or 

authorized food stores.

FNS administers this program at the Federal level. Locally, Indian Tribal 

Organizations or an agency of a State government are in charge. Currently, there are 

approximately 90,000 people participating monthly in FDPIR in 257 tribes administered through 98 Indian Tribal Organizations and 5 State agencies. 

In this program, USDA purchases commodities to ship to the Indian Tribal 

Organizations and State agencies. The commodities are selected from a list of 

available foods. The administering agencies store and distribute the food, determine 

applicant eligibility, and provide nutrition education to recipients. USDA provides 

the administering agencies with funds for program administrative costs. 

Low-income American Indian and non-Indian households that reside on a reservation, and low-income households living in approved service areas near a reservation 

or in Oklahoma and containing at least one person who is a member of a federally 

recognized tribe, are eligible to participate in FDPIR. The income threshold is 100 

percent of the poverty level or below. Households are certified based on income and 

resource standards set by the Federal Government and must be recertified at least 

every 12 months. Households may not participate in FDPIR and the Food Stamp 

Program in the same month. For more information, e-mail FDPIR at fdd-psb@fns.

usda.gov to request a factsheet. 

Food Stamp Program

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) provides low-income households with benefits 

on an electronic card that they can use to purchase approved foods at most grocery 

stores to ensure that they have access to a healthful diet. FSP, which is the cornerstone of the Federal food assistance programs, provides the crucial support to needy 

households and to those making the transition from welfare to work. FSP is currently 

serving about 26 million people, including nearly 400,000 Native Americans.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers FSP at the Federal level through 

FNS. State agencies administer the program at State and local levels, determining 

eligibility, allotments, and distribution of benefits.

Households must meet eligibility requirements and provide information and verification regarding their household circumstances. U.S. citizens and some immigrants 

who are admitted for permanent residency may qualify. The statute limits benefits for 

unemployed, able-bodied, childless adults.

78 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Local food stamp offices can provide information about eligibility. Most States 

also have a toll-free information and/or hotline number. USDA operates a tollfree number (800-221-5689) for people wishing to receive information about FSP. 

Income eligibility is set at 130 percent of poverty, based on the number of persons 

in the household. There is also a limit on household resources and certain nonfinancial eligibility criteria. The Office of Management and Budget establishes Federal 

poverty guidelines, and the Department of Health and Human Services updates the 

income figures annually.

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 5 who are at nutritional risk by 

providing nutritious foods to supplement their diets, information on healthy eating, 

and referrals to health care at no cost. Participants must meet income guidelines 

and a State residency requirement and must be individually determined to be at 

“nutritional risk” by a health professional. 

To be eligible on the basis of income, applicants’ gross income (i.e., before taxes are 

withheld) must fall at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. 

Participation in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, or 

participation of a family member in Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy 

Families, automatically causes the applicant to meet the income eligibility requirement. 

WIC is not an entitlement program in that Congress does not set aside funds to allow 

every eligible individual to participate in the program. Instead, WIC is a Federal 

grant program for which Congress authorizes a specific amount of funding each year 

for program operations. 

FNS administers the program at the Federal level and provides funds to WIC 

State agencies (State health departments or comparable agencies) to pay for WIC 

foods, nutrition counseling and education, and administrative costs. Indian Tribal 

Organizations, bands, groups, or their authorized representatives that are recognized 

by the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Interior or the 

appropriate area office of the Indian Health Service of the U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services may also serve as WIC State agencies. The program is available 

in all 50 States, 34 Indian Tribal Organizations, the District of Columbia, and 

American Territories. These 90 WIC State agencies administer the program through 

2,200 local agencies and 9,000 clinic sites for 8.1 million participants, including 

about 130,000 Native Americans.

79 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Child and Adult Care Food Program

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) plays a vital role in improving the 

quality of day care by making it more affordable for low-income providers and by 

encouraging centers to serve nutritious meals to eligible children attending day care. 

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 day care 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.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health 

of low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, other new mothers up to 1 year 

postpartum, infants, children up to age 6, and elderly people at least 60 years of 

age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA commodity foods. CSFP 

provides food and administrative funds to administering States and Indian Tribal 

Organizations to supplement the diets of these groups.

WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

Associated with WIC, the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program was established 

by Congress in 1992 to provide fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets to WIC participants. The program was also established 

to expand the awareness of, and sales at, farmers’ markets. Each State agency is 

responsible for authorizing individual farmers, farmers’ markets, or both. Currently, 

45 State agencies and 5 Indian Tribal Organizations administer the FMNP.

Food Assistance for Disaster Relief

FNS also has the primary responsibility of supplying food to disaster relief organizations such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army for mass feeding or household 

distribution. Disaster organizations request food and nutrition assistance through 

State agencies that administer USDA’s nutrition assistance programs. State agencies 

notify USDA of the types and quantities of food that relief organizations need for 

emergency feeding operations.

National School Lunch Program

Under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), participating school districts 

and independent schools 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.

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Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
School Breakfast Program

The School Breakfast Program operates in the same manner as 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.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

This program awards grants to States, U.S. Territories, and federally recognized 

Indian tribal governments to provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be 

exchanged for eligible foods at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and communitysupported agriculture programs.

Special Milk Program

Under the Special Milk Program, participating schools and institutions receive 

reimbursement from USDA for each half-pint of milk served. They must operate 

their milk programs on a nonprofit basis. They agree to use the Federal reimbursement to reduce the cost of milk to all children.

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.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program

Under The Emergency Food Assistance Program, FNS provides administrative funds 

and commodity foods to States. The States provide the food to local agencies that 

they have selected, usually food banks, which, in turn, distribute the food to soup 

kitchens and food pantries that directly serve the public. States also “pass-through” at 

least 40 percent of the administrative funds to help support the storage and distribution of the commodities at the local level.

81 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Additional Information

Whom To Contact: For national, State, and local contacts for each of the programs, 

contact the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 926, 

Alexandria, VA 22302 (telephone: 703-305-2062).

You may also obtain local office information about an FNS field or satellite office 

on the FNS Web site (http://www.fns.usda.gov), or you may wish to contact an 

FNS Regional Office near you. (To access a listing of FNS Regional Offices, 

select “Contact Us” on the FNS Web site.) USDA offices are generally listed in the 

telephone book under the Federal Government headings: look for “U.S. Department 

of Agriculture.” You can also find contact information on the FNS Web site (http://

www.fns.usda.gov) for the State agencies that administer the programs.

Administering Agency: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, 3101 Park Center 

Drive, Room 926, Alexandria, VA 22302 (telephone: 703-305-2062; Web site: http://

www.fns.usda.gov).

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) was created in USDA on 

December 1, 1994. Its mission is to improve the health of Americans by developing 

and promoting dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of 

consumers. 

CNPP is responsible for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPyramid, the 

Thrifty Food Plan, and the Interactive Healthy Eating Index, which are the core of 

nutrition promotion in FNS’ nutrition assistance programs. The Center uses these and 

other tools to promote nutrition to all Americans. CNPP reports to the Office of the 

Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. 

The staff at CNPP is composed primarily of nutritionists, nutrition scientists, 

dietitians, economists, and policy experts who help to define and coordinate nutrition 

education policy within USDA and to translate nutrition research into information 

and materials for consumers, policymakers, and professionals in health, education, 

industry, and the news media. 

CNPP carries out its mission to improve the health of Americans by advancing and 

promoting food and nutrition guidance for all Americans, assessing diet quality, and 

advancing consumer, nutrition, and food economic knowledge. 

The Center is best known for the MyPyramid food guidance system as well as for its 

work on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Center can be accessed online at 

http://www.MyPyramid.gov and http://www.cnpp.usda.gov.

82 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
CNPP publishes a variety of dietary guidance materials in addition to the annual 

report “Expenditures on Children by Families.” In conjunction with the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services, the Center publishes the Dietary 

Guidelines for Americans. The Center also maintains and updates the Low-Cost, 

Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plan as well as the Thrifty Food Plan, which serves 

as the nutritional basis for determination of Food Stamp Program benefits.

CNPP Projects

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are the foundation of Federal nutrition policy 

and nutrition education activities. The Dietary Guidelines are issued by USDA and 

the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and are updated every 5 years. 

The most recent Dietary Guidelines were issued in January 2005.

MyPyramid

MyPyramid, released in April 2005, replaces the original Food Guide Pyramid. 

MyPyramid is a widely recognized nutrition education tool that translates nutritional 

recommendations into the kinds and amounts of food to eat each day. MyPyramid 

stresses the importance of moderation, personalization, proportionality, variety, 

activity, and gradual improvement.

MyPyramid for Kids

MyPyramid for Kids, released in September 2005, replaces the Food Guide Pyramid 

for Young Children and is an adaptation of MyPyramid. The tool is designed to 

simplify educational messages and focus on young children’s food preferences and 

nutritional requirements. MyPyramid for Kids contains an online game for children, 

the Blast Off game, which allows children to learn how to build a healthy diet while 

attempting to “blast off” to Planet Power.

MyPyramid Tracker

MyPyramid Tracker is an online dietary and physical activity assessment tool that 

provides information on your diet quality and physical activity status as well as 

related nutrition messages and links to nutrient and physical activity information. 

The Food Calories/Energy Balance feature automatically calculates your energy 

balance by subtracting the energy you expend in physical activity from your food 

calories/energy intake. 

Use of this tool helps you better understand your energy balance status and enhances 

the link between good nutrition and regular physical activity. MyPyramid Tracker 

translates the principles of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other 

nutrition standards developed by USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services into information for the individual user.

83 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
My Pyramid Plan

MyPyramid Plan is an online dietary assessment tool that provides information 

on diet quality and physical activity status. By entering age, gender, and physical 

activity-level information, you can determine the amount of food you should eat 

from each food group. 

USDA Food Plans

The Thrifty, Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Plans each represent a nutritious 

diet at a different cost. The Thrifty Food Plan is used as the basis for food stamp 

benefits. 

Interactive Healthy Eating Index

The USDA Healthy Eating Index is a summary measure of overall diet quality. It 

provides a picture of the type and quantity of foods people eat and the degree to 

which diets comply with specific dietary recommendations. CNPP has developed an 

interactive version of the Healthy Eating Index, the IHEI, which can be accessed on 

the Internet to assess a person’s diet.

The Nutrient Content of the U.S. Food Supply

The Nutrient Content of the U.S. Food Supply is a historical data series, which began 

in 1909, on the amounts of nutrients available for consumption on a per person/per 

day basis. An interactive version of this series allows users to query nutrient and 

pyramid servings information online. 

Expenditures on Children by Families

Expenditures on Children by Families provide estimates of the cost of raising 

children from birth through age 17. USDA has provided these estimates since 1960, 

and they are used in developing State child support guidelines, foster care payments, 

and family educational programs. The expenditure estimates are provided for major 

components of the budget (e.g., housing, transportation, clothing, and food) by age 

of the child, family income, and region of residence. 

Additional Information

Whom To Contact: Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, USDA, 3101 Park 

Center Drive, Room 1034, Alexandria, VA 22302-1594 (telephone: 703-305-7600; 

fax: 703-305-3300; Web site: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov). Information on the 

MyPyramid food guidance system is accessible at http://www.MyPyramid.gov.

Administering Agency: Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, USDA, 3101 

Park Center Drive, Room 1034, Alexandria, VA 22302-1594 (telephone: 703-305-

7600; fax: 703-305-3300; Web sites: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov and http://www.

MyPyramid.gov).

84 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
USDA’s Food Safety mission area ensures that the Nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and 

properly labeled and packaged. This mission area also plays a key role in 

the President’s Council on Food Safety and has been instrumental in coordinating a national food safety strategic plan among various partner agencies, including 

the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency. This section provides an overview of the Department’s food 

safety activities and organizations. 

Food Safety and Inspection Service

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is USDA’s primary food safety 

agency. It regulates processors and importers of meat, poultry, and egg products and 

is responsible for ensuring that the Nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, 

and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. FSIS 

is a valuable resource for those operating or wishing to establish food processing 

facilities. 

85 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food Safety
To meet the increased demand from the American Indian and Alaska Native 

community for a healthier diet consisting of traditional native foods and to increase 

economic development, many tribes are developing business plans to establish 

reservation-based processing facilities. A few tribes are currently producing and 

retailing meat products, while others are in the development phase. Tribes contemplating the development of slaughter, processing, and retail facilities for meat, 

poultry, and egg products on Indian lands should first contact the FSIS Office of 

Field Operations and request information on regulatory and food safety requirements 

and available technical assistance. 

FSIS has a variety of other programs offering assistance to enhance food safety and 

public health—farm-to-table—that may be of interest to tribal communities.

Background

FSIS’ principal authorities include the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 

U.S.C. 601, et. seq.), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 U.S.C. 451, et. 

seq.), and the Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) (21 U.S.C. 103, et. seq.). 

The Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service reports to the Under 

Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety and is responsible for food safety and 

inspection regulations, policies, and programs. FSIS has more than 9,000 professional, scientific, and technical personnel assigned to approximately 6,300 inspected 

establishments, approximately 130 import stations, the Technical Service Center, 

and headquarters locations. The Under Secretary also chairs the U.S. Codex Steering 

Committee, which provides guidance concerning international food standards to U.S. 

delegations to the international Codex Alimentarius Commission. 

FSIS offers information and assistance in five major areas:

Regulations and Inspection of Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products.

Food Safety Support Programs. 

Food Safety Education and Outreach.

Food and Agriculture Defense.

Technical Assistance, Cooperative Agreements and Training. 

Regulations and Inspection of Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products

FSIS deals with both Federal and State regulations and inspection programs, as 

described below.

Federal Inspection Programs

Under authority of the Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts, 

FSIS inspects and monitors all meat, poultry, and egg products sold in interstate and 

foreign commerce to ensure that products are safe and otherwise in compliance with 

regulatory requirements. The 1996 Pathogen Reduction/Hazard Analysis and Critical 

Control Point (HACCP) final rule is in effect in all meat and poultry slaughter and 

processing establishments. HACCP requires in-plant systems to prevent problems 

before they occur.

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86 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food Safety
FSIS provides inspection at approximately 6,300 plants that slaughter cattle, swine, 

sheep, goats, horses, chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, guineas, ratites, and squabs, as 

well as plants that process a wide range of products including hams, sausage, stews, 

eggs, and frozen dinners. Fifteen district offices coordinate inspection throughout the 

country. 

In addition, FSIS regulates related commercial activities to ensure that meat, poultry, 

and egg products sold commercially are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled 

and packaged. The agency conducts compliance reviews of federally inspected 

or exempted products at warehouses, distributors, retail stores, etc., and inspects 

imported products through a comprehensive system of import controls. FSIS collaborates with States, the Food and Drug Administration, and other Federal agencies on 

issues that cross jurisdictional lines. 

Additional information is available on the FSIS Web site (http://www.fsis.usda.

gov/regulations & policies/Federal Inspection Programs). 

State Inspection Programs 

FSIS has cooperative agreements with 28 States that operate their own meat and 

poultry inspection (MPI) programs. Establishments producing products for sale 

only within a State with its own MPI program have the option to apply for State 

inspection. 

Under an agreement with FSIS, State programs must enforce requirements “at 

least equal to” those imposed under the Federal Inspection Acts. In exchange, FSIS 

provides funds annually to support State MPI programs. 

State MPI programs are an integral part of the Nation’s food safety system. They 

inspect about 2,100 meat and poultry establishments. All of these establishments are 

small or very small businesses. 

Additional information is available on the FSIS Web site (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/

regulations & policies/state inspection programs). 

Import and Export 

The FSIS Office of International Affairs (OIA) manages international food safety 

activities. Imports are permitted only from countries determined by FSIS to have 

inspection programs that apply standards equivalent to those of USDA. 

In addition, FSIS reinspects imported meat, poultry, and egg products at ports of 

entry. After the requirements of the U.S. Customs Service and USDA’s Animal and 

Plant Health Inspection Service are met, shipments imported into the United States 

must be reinspected by FSIS at an approved import inspection facility. FSIS has 

about 75 inspectors who carry out reinspection in approximately 125 official import 

establishments.

87 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food Safety
FSIS assists exporters by publishing the import requirements of other countries and 

provides certifications as needed. For most countries, all USDA federally authorized 

meat, poultry, and egg product establishments are eligible to export provided that 

all requirements of the receiving country are met. Some countries, including the 

European Union, require U.S. establishments to be approved, registered, and/or 

reviewed prior to export. 

Because other countries’ requirements vary, exporters should first consult the export 

requirements for a specific country. This information is obtained by FSIS through 

direct, government-to-government communication with country officials and is 

posted on the FSIS Web site. 

Export requirements are generally organized under the following headings: 

Product Eligibility

Labeling

Processing Requirements

Documentation

Other Requirements

Plant Eligibility 

Once an establishment is approved for export to a particular country, exporters 

may export their products and, where required, are added to the list of Eligible U.S. 

Establishments. These lists change frequently as new plants are added or changes 

occur in a plant number or name. Foreign countries may periodically audit establishments exporting to them. 

Food Safety Education and Outreach

The Office of Public Affairs, Education and Outreach (OPAEO) is the public and 

community relations arm of FSIS. OPAEO is responsible for communicating with 

three main audiences: Congress, the media, and constituents. 

Additionally, OPAEO handles executive correspondence and ensures compliance 

with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act. Constituent outreach 

is focused primarily on consumers, industry (especially small businesses), and other 

government agencies with which FSIS cooperates on food safety. 

Consumer Education

The Food Safety Education Staff (FSES) educates consumers about the importance 

of safe food handling and how to prevent foodborne illnesses. Available educational 

programs that can be found on the FSIS website (http://www.fsis.usda.gov) include 

the following: 

The Meat and Poultry Hotline, which provides information on safe food storage, 

handling, and preparation; product dating and labeling; and other topics. 

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88 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food Safety
Fight BAC!TM—a food safety education campaign of the Partnership for Food 

Safety Education, a nonprofit organization representing all aspects of the food 

industry as well as government and consumers. Fight BAC!TM strives to educate 

consumers on four simple steps they can take to fight foodborne bacteria and 

reduce their risk of foodborne illness. Further information is accessible on the 

Fight BAC!TM Web site (http://www.fightbac.org).

Is It Done Yet? —provides information about cooking. By using a food 

thermometer to check whether meat, poultry, or egg dishes are done, you can 

prevent overcooking and eliminate guesswork. Thermy, FSIS’ thermometer 

mascot, encourages checking temperatures. Information on the Is It Done Yet? 

campaign can be requested by e-mailing FSIS (IsItDoneYet@fsis.usda.gov).

Ask Karen—a “virtual” food safety representative answers online questions from 

the public about the prevention of foodborne illness as well as the safe handling, 

preparation, and storage of meat, poultry, and egg products, drawing upon an 

extensive database of food safety information.

USDA Food Safety Mobile—an eye-catching education and outreach vehicle that 

has reached millions of consumers with food safety messages. Information on the 

USDA Food Safety Mobile is available by e-mailing FSIS (foodsafetymobile@

fsis.usda.gov).

Meat and Poultry Hotline—The hotline (1-888-MPHotline or 1-888-674-6854; 

TTY: 1-800-256-7072; e-mail: Mphotline.fsis@usda.gov) is used to answer 

consumer food safety questions and provide support for food safety educators and 

communicators. For further information, contact the Food Safety Education Staff 

(301-504-0195).

Outreach to Industry and Regulatory Partners

The Office of Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships, and Outreach Staff (SIPO) seeks 

to promote understanding and support of agency regulations and policies with key 

constituencies, partners, and the public. It provides informational materials and 

programs to field personnel, small and very small inspected establishments, and 

inspection-exempt meat and poultry operations. SIPO also coordinates the activities 

of the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection. 

SIPO provides technical guidance and outreach assistance to Federal, State, and 

tribal government partners and to underserved populations. Through universities and 

USDA Extension around the country, staff members arrange for training and technical assistance for small and very small plants that may need assistance with their 

HACCP and related food safety programs. FSIS has provided a network of HACCP 

contacts and coordinators in all 50 States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the 

Virgin Islands. Additional information is accessible on the FSIS Web site (http://

www.fsis.usda.gov/business).

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89 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food Safety
Food and Agricultural Defense

The Nation’s food safety and agriculture defense strategy is an FSIS responsibility. 

The agency works closely in this area with Federal, State, tribal, and other partners, 

including the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease 

Control, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation. Additional information is accessible on the FSIS Web site (http://

www.fsis.usda.gov/about fsis/Associated Agencies & Partners). 

FSIS’ Office of Food Defense and Emergency Response (OFDER) prepares for 

and coordinates responses to acts and events threatening the U.S. food supply. With 

support from the Office of Public Health Service, OFDER coordinates all homeland 

security activities to ensure that policymakers, management, scientists, and field 

staff are prepared to respond to and recover from emergencies resulting from nonintentional as well as intentional contamination or disasters that may affect domestic 

meat, poultry, and egg production. OFDER conducts public food security education, 

awareness, and deterrence activities. 

The OPHS Food Emergency Response Network Division works with OFDER and 

the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Food and Drug Administration 

to expand and manage an existing group of more than 90 Federal, State, and local 

laboratories with the capability to detect and identify biological, chemical, and 

radiological agents in food. 

OFDER can provide food defense training and information to Indian tribes with 

meat, poultry, and egg processing facilities and other food operations. This training 

can teach tribes how to deter attacks on the food supply by assessing vulnerabilities 

and implementing food security plans. OFDER has also developed a number of 

guidelines, listed below, on food defense. 

Printed information available from FSIS includes Food Security Guidelines for 

Food Processors; Safety and Security Guidelines for the Transportation and 

Distribution of Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products; Food Safety and Food Security: 

What Consumers Need to Know; FSIS Model Food Security Plans; and Industry SelfAssessment Checklist for Food Security. 

Information is also available on the FSIS Web site (http://www.fsis.usda.gov; select 

Food Safety and Emergency Preparedness). The FSIS Washington, D.C., contact is 

the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Food Defense and Emergency Response 

(202-720-5643).

Technical Assistance, Cooperative Agreements, and Training

Technical Assistance

The FSIS Technical Service Center, located in Omaha, Nebraska, provides technical 

guidance and information on the interpretation and application of regulatory requirements. It also designs systems, methods, guidelines, and procedures for reviewing 

foreign, State, and domestic programs. 

90 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food Safety
For additional information, contact the FSIS Technical Service Center (telephone: 

402-344-5000; fax: 402-344-5005; hotline: 1-800-233-3935; e-mail: TechCenter@

fsis.usda.gov).

Cooperative Agreements

FSIS continually seeks out new ideas and strategies to reduce the incidence of 

food-borne illnesses associated with meat, poultry, and egg products. The agency 

strengthens its public health capabilities and support for food safety innovation 

through the funding of cooperative agreements in five specific areas:

Food animal production, transportation, and marketing.

Technical materials for small and very small federally and State-inspected 

establishments.

Retail stores, food service establishments, and other inspection-exempt enterprises 

subject to State, local, or tribal regulations that process or otherwise handle meat, 

poultry, and egg products.

New technology cooperative agreements, which are used to encourage the 

development of new methodologies to keep pace with emerging technologies.

Enhancement of the laboratory testing capability of the Food Emergency 

Response Network for microbiological threat agents, and integration of data from 

Federal, State, or local levels to enhance and improve detection of public health 

hazards. 

Materials produced under these agreements are made available for public use.

Funding opportunities are announced and published through the Federal Register, the 

FSIS Constituent Update, and the FSIS Web site. Public awareness of all segments of 

rulemaking and policy development is important. Consequently, in an effort to ensure 

that the public and in particular minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are 

aware of this notice, FSIS announces it online on the FSIS Web site (http://www.fsis.

usda.gov/regulations). 

Training

Using the latest in technology and the assistance of regional trainers and 

Enforcement, Investigations, and Analysis Officers, FSIS provides a wide variety 

of training on food safety and food defense to its widely dispersed and diverse 

audiences. Although most FSIS training activity is focused on FSIS employees, 

training materials used for the training of agency personnel are available to State 

and local regulators and are of interest to members of the meat and poultry industry 

in developing their own training programs. FSIS provides information to producers 

and agricultural businesses to help them maintain compliance with federally defined 

regulations for their establishments. 

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91 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food Safety
Notable training programs include:

Food Safety Regulatory Essentials Training—This training teaches how inspectors 

verify that an establishment’s HACCP and other systems are effective. The training 

covers the Rules of Practice; Sanitation Performance Standards; Sanitation Standard 

Operating Procedures; HACCP verification; Pathogen Reduction; and Food Safety 

Sampling.

Entry Training for the Public Health Veterinarian—FSIS has tailored this training 

program to prepare the Public Health Veterinarian to work as part of an in-plant team 

in establishments that slaughter various animal species and process various types of 

food products.

Enforcement Investigation and Analysis Training—This training focuses on enacting 

and documenting administrative enforcement action in cases involving the violation 

of food safety requirements. FSIS has trainers assigned to five regional training 

centers who provide enforcement, investigation, and analysis training for FSIS 

Consumer Safety Officers, Public Health Veterinarians, and Compliance Officers. 

Slaughter Inspection Training—Slaughter inspection training provides basic information that covers the regulatory environment, ante and post mortem inspection, and 

professionalism and provides a food security overview, a HACCP overview, and 

other types of information needed by the online inspector. There are two versions of 

this training—poultry or livestock—depending on the employee’s assignment.

Other Online Training and Resources—To centralize food safety news, information, and training for various government agencies, the www.foodsafety.gov Web 

site was developed. The site contains current news and information for the Food 

Safety and Inspection Service, the Centers for Disease Control, the Food and Drug 

Administration, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Further information 

is available on the FSIS Web site (http://www.foodsafety.gov).

Additional Information

Whom To Contact: The Meat and Poultry Hotline (1-888-MPHotline or 1-888-

674-6854; TTY: 1-800-256-7072; e-mail: Mphotline.fsis@usda.gov); Assistant 

Administrator for the Office of Food Defense and Emergency Response (202-720-

5643); FSIS Technical Service Center (telephone: 402-344-5000; fax: 402-344-5005; 

hotline: 1-800-233-3935; e-mail: TechCenter@fsis.usda.gov).

Federal Relay Service: Federal Relay Service Communication Assistants act as 

intermediaries for telecommunications between hearing individuals and individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, and/or have speech disabilities. Call 

1-800-877-8339 (TTY). 

Administering Agency: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202/720-7025; Web 

site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov).

92 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Food Safety
The Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area is dedicated to 

the creation of a safe, sustainable, competitive U.S. food and fiber system as 

well as strong communities, families, and youth through integrated research, 

analysis, and education.

REE provides Federal leadership for the discovery and dissemination of sciencebased knowledge to address the wide-ranging problems and opportunities that come 

under the broad heading of food and agriculture. The public increasingly expects 

sound science, accurate data, and objective analysis to be an integral part of public 

decisionmaking.

Building on the extraordinary possibilities of cutting-edge research and new 

technologies, REE is more capable than ever of delivering environmentally and 

economically sound solutions to new challenges in production agriculture, food 

safety, and nutrition. It is also well positioned to ensure that new knowledge and 

technologies generated by the REE agencies are transferred to the farmers, ranchers, 

consumers, food processors, and others who will use them.

REE consists of the Agricultural Research Service; the Cooperative State Research, 

Education, and Extension Service; the Economic Research Service; the National 

Agricultural Library; and the National Agricultural Statistics Service. These agencies 

provide leadership and overall guidance in shaping the food and agricultural research 

agenda for the Nation, bringing together and listening to the research and stakeholder 

community regarding common interests and concerns.

The REE agencies work with other agencies across all facets of government and 

research organizations across the country. They conduct programs spanning the 

biological, physical, and social sciences related to agricultural research, economic 

analysis, statistics, outreach, and higher education.

Since its inception, the REE mission area and agencies have sought the advice of 

customers, partners, and stakeholders in establishing program directions and priorities. Today, more than ever before, these diverse perspectives are valued and solicited 

by the mission area and its agencies in setting priorities, shaping and implementing 

programs, and disseminating results. This increased effort to involve stakeholders, 

partners, and customers is based on a mission area belief that their input and participation will lead to programs that are stronger and more relevant to the issues and 

problems confronting farmers, ranchers, food processors, and consumers today. 

Research, Education, and Economics

93 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics
Agricultural Research Service

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is USDA’s principal in-house scientific 

research agency. ARS provides the scientific knowledge and technologies needed to 

ensure the viability of American agriculture. It conducts research to address agricultural problems of high national priority and aggressively works to transfer research 

results to the marketplace. 

The work of ARS provides the scientific base for the quality, affordability, safety, 

and variety of the food and agricultural products that all Americans enjoy. One of its 

primary jobs is finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every 

day, from the field to table. Following are program areas that ARS research covers:

Protecting crops and livestock from pests and disease. 

Improving the quality and safety of agricultural products. 

Determining the best nutrition for people from infancy to old age. 

Sustaining our soil and other natural resources. 

Ensuring profitability for farmers and processors. 

Keeping costs down for consumers.

Providing research support to other Federal agencies. 

ARS research always targets specific problems threatening the Nation’s food and 

fiber supplies, contributes to rural revitalization, and increases knowledge of human 

nutrition. ARS research also lays the foundation for future commercial development 

beneficial to all consumers. 

The agency operates research facilities strategically located in major farm and 

rangeland ecosystems throughout the United States. This enables ARS to bring 

research expertise to bear on agricultural production and utilization problems of 

national scope from many different geographic vantage points.

Additional Information

Whom To Contact: If you would like to submit comments, questions or provide 

general feedback on the ARS Web site, please access and submit the Feedback Form 

on the ARS Web site (http://www.ars.usda.gov; select “Contact Us” and “Feedback 

Form”). If you have specific USDA questions to which you would like a response 

from an expert, please access and submit an Ask the Expert form (http://www.ars.

usda.gov; select “Contact Us” and “Ask The Expert Form”). Please remember that 

an e-mail address is required for a response. 

Administering Agency: ARS Headquarters: Whitten Building, USDA, Room 

302-A,1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 

202-720-3656; fax: 202-720-5427; Web site: http://www.ars.usda.gov). ARS 

Headquarters staff: George Washington Carver Center, USDA, 5601 Sunnyside 

Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705.

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94 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics
Cooperative State Research, Education, 

and Extension Service

The unique mission of USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and 

Extension Service (CSREES) is to advance knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities by supporting research, 

education, and extension partnerships in the land-grant university system and other 

partner organizations. Land-grant university partners are located in each State and 

Territory as well as the District of Columbia and include more than 130 colleges 

of agriculture; 59 agricultural experiment stations, with more than 9,500 scientists 

conducting research; 57 cooperative extension services, with more than 9,600 local 

extension agents working in 3,150 counties; 63 schools of forestry; sixteen 1890 

Land-Grant Institutions (Historically Black Colleges) and Tuskegee University; 27 

colleges of veterinary medicine; 42 schools and colleges of family and consumer 

sciences; 190 Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and 31 1994 Land-Grant Institutions 

(Tribal Colleges). The 31 Land-Grant Tribal Colleges are listed below. 

95 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics
The Land-Grant Tribal Colleges

96 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics

Bay Mills Community College

12214 West Lakeshore Drive 

Brimley, MI 49715 

Telephone: 906-248-3354 

Fax: 906-248-3351 

Blackfeet Community College 

P.O. Box 819

Browning, MT 59417 

Telephone: 406-338-7755 

Fax: 406-338-3272 

Cankdeska Cikana Community 

College 

P.O. Box 269 

Fort Totten, ND 58335 

Telephone: 701-766-4415 

Fax: 701-766-4077 

Chief Dull Knife College 

P.O. Box 98

Lame Deer, MT 59043 

Telephone: 406-477-6215 

Fax: 406-477-6219

College of the Menominee Nation 

P.O. Box 1179

Keshena, WI 54135 

Telephone: 715-799-4921 

Fax: 715-799-1308

Crownpoint Institute of Technology 

P.O. Box 849 

Crownpoint, NM 87313 

Telephone: 505-786-4100 

Fax: 505-786-5644 

Diné College (formerly Navajo 

Community College)

P.O. Box 126 

Tsaile, AZ 86556 

Telephone: 928-724-6669 

Fax: 928-724-3327 

Fond du Lac Tribal and 

Community College 

2101 14th Street 

Cloquet, MN 55720-2964 

Telephone: 218-879-0800 

Fax: 218-879-0814 

Fort Belknap Community College 

P.O. Box 159

Harlem, MT 59526 

Telephone: 406-353-2607 

Fax: 406-353-2898 

Fort Berthold Community College 

P.O. Box 490

New Town, ND 58763 

Telephone: 701-627-4738 

Fax: 701-627-3609 

Fort Peck Community College 

P.O. Box 398 

Poplar, MT 59255 

Telephone: 406-768-6300 

Fax: 406-768-6301 

Haskell Indian Nations University 

155 Indian Avenue

Box 5030 

Lawrence, KS 66046-4800 

Telephone: 785-749-8404 

Fax: 785-749-8411 

Institute of American Indian Arts 

Box 20007 

83 Avan Nu Po Road 

Santa Fe, NM 87508 

Telephone: 505-424-2300 

Fax: 505-424-0050 

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa 

Community College 

13466 W. Trepania Road

Hayward, WI 54843 

Telephone: 715-634-4790 

Fax: 715-634-5049 
97 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics

Leech Lake Tribal College 

P.O. Box 180 

Cass Lake, MN 56633 

Telephone: 218-335-4200 

Fax: 218-335-4209 

Little Big Horn College 

P.O. Box 370 

Crow Agency, MT 59022 

Telephone: 406-638-3100 

Fax: 406-638-3169 

Little Priest Tribal College 

P.O. Box 270 

Winnebago, NE 68071 

Telephone: 402-878-2380 

Fax: 402-878-2355

Nebraska Indian Community College 

P.O. Box 428 

Macy, NE 68039 

Telephone: 402-837-5078 

Fax: 402-837-4183

Northwest Indian College

2522 Kwina Road 

Bellingham, WA 98226 

Telephone: 360-676-2772 

Fax: 360-738-0136 

Oglala Lakota College 

P.O. Box 490 

490 Piya Wiconi Road

Kyle, SD 57752 

Telephone: 605-455-6000 

Fax: 605-455-2787

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College 

2274 Enterprise Drive

Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 

Telephone: 989-775-4123 

Fax: 989-775-4528 

Salish Kootenai College 

P.O. Box 117 

Pablo, MT 59855 

Telephone: 406-275-4800 

Fax: 406-275-4801 

Sinte Gleska University 

205 Main Street 

Mission, SD 57555 

Telephone: 605-856-5880 

Fax: 605-856-5401

Sisseton Wahpeton 

Community College 

P.O. Box 689 

Sisseton, SD 57262

Telephone: 605-698-3966 

Fax: 605-698-3132

Sitting Bull College 

1341 92nd Street 

Fort Yates, ND 58538 

Telephone: 701-854-3861 

Fax: 701-854-3403 

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic 

Institute 

P.O. Box 10146 

Albuquerque, NM 87184 

Telephone: 505-346-2347 

Fax: 505-346-2343 

Stone Child College 

RRI, Box 1082 

Box Elder, MT 59521 

Telephone: 406-395-4875 

Fax: 406-395-4836 

Tohono O’odham Community College 

P.O. Box 3129 

Sells, AZ 85634 

Telephone: 520-383-8401 

Fax: 520-383-0029 

Turtle Mountain Community College 

P.O. Box 340 

Belcourt, ND 58316 

Telephone: 701-477-7862 

Fax: 701-477-7807 

United Tribes Technical College 

3315 University Drive 

Bismarck, ND 58504 

Telephone: 701-255-3285 

Fax: 701-530-0605

White Earth Tribal and 

Community College 

210 Main Street South

P.O. Box 478 

Mahnomen, MN 56557 

Telephone: 218-935-0417 

Fax: 218-935-0708
CSREES has target areas of interest in 59 identified programs that are grouped in the 

following National Emphasis Areas:

Agricultural and Food Biosecurity 

Agricultural Systems 

Animals and Animal Products 

Biotechnology and Genomics 

Economics and Commerce 

Families, Youth and Communities 

Food, Nutrition and Health 

Natural Resources and Environment 

Pest Management 

Plants and Plant Products 

Technology and Engineering 

CSREES Program Tools

CSREES is the Federal partner in a vast network of thousands of scientists, 

educators, and extension staff and volunteers who execute its programs throughout the United States, its territories, and beyond. Most of these partners work at or 

through land-grant colleges and universities.

Starting in 1862, the Federal Government granted federally owned land (hence the 

name “land-grant”) to each State for the development of a university that would 

serve the citizens of the State by providing agricultural and technical education. 

Other land-grant universities were designated in 1890 (historically African American 

institutions) and in 1994 (Native American institutions).

While nearly all universities have research and education as their core responsibilities, land-grant universities have a third critical mission—extension. “Extension” 

means “reaching out,” and along with teaching and research, land-grant institutions 

extend their resources, addressing public needs with college or university resources 

through nonformal, noncredit programs.

Below are descriptions of primary CSREES programs. For more information on 

any of these programs, visit the CSREES Web site (http://www.csrees.usda.gov) 

or contact your State or tribal land-grant institution. You may also contact your 

local Cooperative Extension office (check the county government listings in your 

telephone book). 

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98 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

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Cooperative Extension Programs

Cooperative extension is a nationwide educational network that brings the research 

and knowledge of land-grant institutions to people in their homes, workplaces, and 

communities. Extension links the resources and expertise of county extension offices, 

land-grant colleges and universities, and the Federal Government.

99 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics
Extension educators deliver research-based programs through workshops, homestudy courses, Web-based curricula, and other methods. The programs are designed 

to advance knowledge of agriculture and to enhance community resource and 

economic development; family development and resource management; 4-H and 

youth development; leadership and volunteer development; natural resources 

and environmental management; and nutrition, diet, and health. The emphasis of 

Extension programs is on enabling learners to modify behaviors in line with learneridentified goals.

The Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (formally the Extension Indian 

Reservation Program) supports extension education on Indian reservations and tribal 

jurisdictions to address the unique needs and problems of American Indian and 

Alaska Native tribal nations. The target audience is Native American individuals and 

communities on large reservations. 

This program assists American Indians in adopting profitable farming and ranching 

techniques; enhancing the protection and safety of the Nation’s food supply, natural 

resources, and environment; improving nutrition and health; and providing 4-H and 

other developmental experiences for tribal youth. In each State, the land-grant university supplies qualified extension agents who bring educational programs and resources 

to tribal communities, and the tribal nation provides office space and utilities. 

A local advisory committee works with the agent to identify community priorities. 

Agents often live on the reservations, sharing daily experiences with their neighbors. 

Agents also meet annually to discuss their successes, share program ideas, and 

investigate additional sources of program support.

Funding for Extension activities at the 1994 Institutions (Tribal Colleges Extension 

Program) is available through a competitive application process. Current projects 

are working to improve health through nutrition and traditional foods programs, 

to enhance the tribal agricultural producers’ economy, to develop youth leaders, to 

enhance stewardship of natural resources, and to enhance family and community 

development. 

Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program

The Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program enhances educational opportunities for Native Americans by strengthening instructional programs in the food and 

agricultural sciences. Funds are awarded equally among the 1994 land-grant institutions upon approval of each institution’s application for a grant, including a plan of 

work related to each institution’s long-range goals.

100 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics
Tribal Colleges Endowment Fund

The Tribal Colleges Endowment Fund benefits the 1994 land-grant institutions by 

promoting capacity development in teaching programs in the food and agricultural 

sciences. The Tribal Colleges Endowment Fund, as a teaching capacity development 

program, is a companion to the Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants Program. 

It differs primarily from the Education Equity Grants Program in two respects: (1) 

Endowment funds may be escrowed indefinitely and used for major obligations 

relating to the allowable activities and (2) since October 1, 2001, Endowment funds 

have been able to be used for facility renovation, repair, construction, and maintenance in support of and in addition to specific targeted areas of support.

Targeted areas of support include curricula design and instructional materials 

development; faculty development and preparation for teaching; instruction delivery 

systems; student experiential learning; equipment and instrumentation for teaching; 

and student recruitment and retention. Only 1994 land-grant institutions are eligible 

to receive funds under this program. 

Tribal College Research Grants Program

The Tribal College Research Grants Program assists the 1994 land-grant institutions 

in conducting agricultural research that addresses high-priority concerns of tribal, 

national, or multistate significance. Funds are awarded on a competitive basis.

Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions 

Education Grants Program

The Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving (ANNH) Institutions 

Education Grants Program promotes and strengthens the ability of these institutions to carry out education, applied research, and related community development 

programs within a broadly defined arena of food and agricultural sciences. The 

ANNH program aims to attract, retain, and graduate outstanding students capable of 

enhancing the Nation’s food and agricultural scientific and professional workforce. 

Projects may involve individual institutions, consortia, or cooperative initiatives 

between two or more ANNH institutions or with other colleges and universities, 

units of government, or the private sector. Targeted areas of support include curriculum design, materials development, and library resources; faculty preparation and 

enhancement of teaching; instruction delivery systems; scientific instrumentation for 

teaching and research; student experiential learning; student recruitment, retention, 

and educational equity (including the provision of student financial assistance); 

applied studies in the food and agricultural sciences; applied research support 

systems; technology delivery systems; and other applied research and community 

development applications.

101 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged 

Farmers and Ranchers Competitive Grants Program

The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers 

Competitive Grants Program (also known as the 2501 Program) provides funds to 

organizations to conduct outreach and technical assistance in order to encourage and 

assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and operate farms and 

ranches and to participate in agricultural programs. The program supports a wide 

range of outreach and assistance activities in farm management, financial management, marketing, application and bidding procedures, and other areas. 

The primary purpose of the program is to deliver outreach and technical assistance 

to assure opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to successfully acquire, own, operate, and retain farms and ranches and to assure equitable 

participation in the full range of USDA programs. Institutions and organizations 

eligible to apply include 1862 Land-Grant Institutions; 1890 Land-Grant Institutions; 

1994 Land-Grant Institutions; Hispanic-serving institutions; Native American Tribal 

Governments (federally recognized); Native American tribal organizations (not 

federally recognized Tribal Governments); nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other 

than institutions of higher education; nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS status, other 

than institutions of higher education; State-controlled institutions of higher education; 

postsecondary educational institutions; and community-based organizations, 

networks, or coalitions of community-based organizations that meet certain criteria.

National Research Initiative

Competitive Grants Program

The National Research Initiative (NRI) is the office in CSREES charged with 

funding research on key problems of national and regional importance in the biological, environmental, physical, and social sciences relevant to agriculture, food, the 

environment, and communities on a peer-reviewed, competitive basis. To address 

these problems, NRI advances fundamental scientific knowledge in support of 

agriculture and coordinates opportunities to build on these scientific findings. The 

resulting new scientific and technological discoveries then necessitate efforts in 

education and extension to deliver science-based knowledge to people, allowing 

informed practical decisions. 

The NRI supports a spectrum of research that bridges the basic and applied sciences 

and results in practical outcomes. From its inception, the NRI has supported projects 

for fundamental and applied research, and in fiscal year 2004 CSREES was given the 

authority to use up to 20 percent of the available NRI funds to carry out a competitive grants program for projects combining research, education, and/or extension, 

termed “integrated projects.”

The competition is open to scientists at all academic institutions, Federal research 

agencies, and private and industrial organizations. It is also open to scientists as 

individuals.

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National Water Quality Program

The goal of the CSREES National Water Quality Program (NWQP) is to protect or 

improve the quality of water resources throughout the United States and its territories, particularly in agriculturally managed watersheds. The program seeks to address 

this goal at the national, regional, State, and local levels. 

NWQP brings university scientists, instructors, and extension educators into more 

effective and efficient partnerships with Federal interagency priority programs to 

address water quality issues in U.S. agriculture. A key emphasis of the program 

is the integration of extension, research, and educational resources to solve water 

quality problems at the local level. The program is guided by a unique model for 

shared leadership that includes representatives from each of 10 regional projects 

(Environmental Protection Agency regions) and representatives from 1890 and 1994 

institutions as well as the CSREES National Program Leader for Water Quality. 

A collaborative effort with representatives of land-grant universities and colleges has 

identified eight key “themes” that represent critical challenges affecting the quality of 

our Nation’s water resources in agricultural and rural watersheds. These themes are:

Animal manure management

Drinking water and human health

Environmental restoration

Nutrient and pesticide management

Pollution assessment and prevention

Water management and conservation

Water policy and economics

Watershed management

The Small Business Innovation Research Program

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program makes competitively 

awarded grants to qualified small businesses to support high-quality, advancedconcepts research on important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture 

that could lead to significant public benefit, if successful. 

The objectives of the SBIR Program are to:

Stimulate technological innovations in the private sector. 

Strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research and 

development needs. 

Increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from USDAsupported research and development efforts.

Foster and encourage participation by women-owned and socially and 

economically disadvantaged small business firms in technological innovations. 

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103 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

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SBIR research topics are as follows: 

Forests and related resources

Plant production and protection—biology

Animal production and protection

Soil and water resources

Food science and nutrition

Rural and community development

Aquaculture

Industrial applications

Marketing and trade

Animal manure management

Small and mid-size farms

Plant production and protection—engineering

The SBIR program office directs all activities required under the SBIR law and 

executes the policy established by the Small Business Administration. CSREES 

exclusively administers the SBIR program at USDA. 

SBIR program awards are based on the scientific and technical merit of investigatorinitiated ideas. The SBIR Program does not make loans and does not grant awards 

for the purpose of helping a business get established. 

SBIR Phase I grants are limited to $80,000 and a duration of 8 months. SBIR Phase 

II grants are limited to $350,000 and a duration of 24 months (with no gap in funding 

between Phase I and Phase II). SBIR program funds are allocated in proportion to 

the number of proposals received over 12 broad topic areas. Proposals are reviewed 

through a confidential peer review process using outside experts from nonprofit 

organizations. All applicants receive verbatim copies of reviews.

For additional information, visit the SBIR Web site (http://www.reeusda.gov/

sbir), or contact Dr. Charles Cleland, SBIR National Program Manager, CSREES/

USDA, Stop 2243, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-2243 

(telephone: 202-401-4002; fax: 202-401-6070; e-mail: ccleland@csrees.usda.gov).

Additional Information

Whom To Contact: For more information on any of these programs, visit the 

CSREES Web site (http://www.csrees.usda.gov) or contact your State or tribal 

land-grant institution. You may also contact your local Cooperative Extension office 

(check the county government listings in your telephone book). 

Administering Agency: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 

Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Stop 2201, Washington, DC 

20250-2201; telephone: 202-720-7441; Web site: http://www.csrees.usda.gov).

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104 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics
Economic Research Service

The Economic Research Service (ERS) provides economic analysis on efficiency, 

efficacy, and equity issues in agriculture, food, the environment, and rural development to improve public and private decisionmaking. ERS economic analysis is 

shaped primarily for use in the decisionmaking process by policymakers, though 

the ultimate beneficiaries of informed public and private decisionmaking are the 

American people.

ERS is the main source of economic information and research from USDA. Located 

in Washington, D.C., with approximately 450 employees, ERS produces information and analysis for use by the general public and to help executive and legislative 

branches develop, administer, and evaluate agricultural and rural policies and 

programs. 

ERS publications cover a wide variety of topics, including policies that affect 

farmers and the population of rural America. In addition to studies on rural America 

as a whole, ERS has focused on American Indian and Alaska Native demography, the 

state of American Indian farming, and the history of American Indian contributions 

to American agriculture.

Additional Information

Whom To Contact: For additional information on ERS, visit the ERS Web site 

(http://www.ers.usda.gov). For information on ERS products, services, and subject 

specialists or for help in finding a report, contact the ERS Information Center 

(e-mail: InfoCenter@ers.usda.gov; telephone: 202-694-5050). To order ERS publications and other products, call the USDA Order Desk (1-800-999-6779).

Administering Agency: Economic Research Service, USDA,1800 M Street, NW, 

Washington, DC 20036-5831; telephone: 202-694-5000; fax: 202-694-5757; Web 

site: http://www.ers.usda.gov).

105 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics
National Agricultural Library

As the Nation’s primary source for agricultural information, the National 

Agricultural Library (NAL) has a mission to increase the availability and utilization 

of agricultural information for researchers, educators, policymakers, consumers of 

agricultural products, and the public. The Library is one of the world’s largest and 

most accessible agricultural research libraries and plays a vital role in supporting 

research, education, and applied agriculture.

The National Agricultural Library ensures and enhances access to agricultural 

information for a better quality of life. The mission of the National Agricultural 

Library is as follows:

Serve as a National Library of the United States and as the Library of the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture.

Acquire, organize, manage, preserve, and provide access to information and 

provide quality stewardship of its unique collection. 

Assist, train, and educate people according to their information needs. 

Provide leadership in information management. 

Maximize access to information through collaborative efforts and utilization of 

technology. 

Enhance global cooperation through international exchange of information and 

the provision of services and technical assistance.

The National Agricultural Library was created as the departmental library for USDA 

in 1862 and became a national library in 1962. One of four national libraries of the 

United States (with the Library of Congress, the National Library of Medicine, and 

the National Library of Education), it also coordinates a national network of State 

land-grant and USDA field libraries. 

In an international role, the National Agricultural Library serves as the U.S. center 

for the international agricultural information system, coordinating and sharing 

resources and enhancing global access to agricultural data. The National Agricultural 

Library’s collection of more than 3.3 million items and its leadership role in 

information services and technology applications combine to make it the foremost 

agricultural library in the world. NAL works to make a difference and to enrich the 

lives of people everywhere. 

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106 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

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National Agricultural Statistics Service 

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) serves the basic agricultural and 

rural data needs of the people of the United States, including agricultural workers 

and rural residents, by objectively providing important, usable, and accurate statistical information and services needed to make informed decisions. NASS statistics 

keep those involved with America’s agriculture well informed, provide the basic 

information necessary to keep agricultural markets stable and efficient, and help 

maintain a “level playing field” for all users of agricultural statistics.

Through NASS, American agriculture is continually counted, measured, priced, 

analyzed, and reported to provide the facts needed by people working throughout 

this vast industry. The employees of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service 

conduct hundreds of surveys and prepare reports covering virtually every facet of 

U.S. agriculture—for example, production and supplies of food and fiber, prices paid 

and received by farmers, farm labor and wages, and farm aspects of the industry. 

In addition, NASS’s 46 field offices publish data about many of the same topics for 

local audiences.

NASS publications cover a wide range of subjects, from traditional crops such as 

corn and wheat to specialties such as mushrooms and flowers; from calves born to 

hogs slaughtered; and from agricultural prices to land in farms. The abundance of 

information produced has earned NASS employees the title, “The Fact Finders of 

Agriculture.” 

Census Coverage of American Indian

Farmers and Ranchers

Every 5 years, NASS conducts the Census of Agriculture, providing a source of 

uniform, comprehensive agricultural data at the national, State, and local levels. 

NASS has done considerable list-building to increase census coverage of American 

Indian farmers and ranchers who operate land off reservations. In addition, NASS 

received a recommendation from the Secretary of Agriculture’s Advisory Committee 

on Agriculture Statistics to collect more complete reservation-level data on the 

2002 census. 

In response to this recommendation and to honor a commitment to publish improved 

demographic data on American Indian operators, NASS conducted the 2002 Census 

of Agriculture pilot project in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. These 

States were selected for the pilot project because there is a significant amount of 

agricultural production on their reservations. Also, the reservation agriculture is 

similar in size, type, and operating arrangements to nonreservation agriculture. The 

data will be used by NASS to develop future plans for providing more complete 

American Indian reservation agricultural statistics records.

107 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics
A new section has been added to the census form for farm and ranch operators to 

self-report agricultural activity on American Indian reservations. NASS will also 

continue to implement special procedures to account for American Indian farm and 

ranch operators on tribal lands. In addition to collecting total agricultural production 

information data from the reservation headquarters, NASS will also collect data on 

the number of individual farm operations that are on the reservations.

Previously, the census of agriculture included data showing only the number of 

American Indians operating farms and ranches located off the reservations. Each 

reservation was normally counted as a single-farm operation. With much improved 

data collection methodology, the 2007 census of agriculture and future censuses will 

provide the most comprehensive picture of American Indian agriculture. The current 

procedures will provide more complete agricultural statistics on American Indian 

farms and ranches, and soon all American Indians engaged in agriculture will be 

fully accounted for in the census.

Additional Information

Whom To Contact: For additional information, see the National Agricultural 

Statistics Service Web site (http://www.nass.usda.gov), visit the NASS Customer 

Service Center at USDA, Room 5038, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, 

SW, Washington, DC 20250; call the toll-free Agricultural Statistics Hotline (800-

727-9540); or e-mail NASS (NASS@NASS.usda.gov). 

Administering Agency: National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA, 1400 

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-720-6643; Web 

site: http://www.nass.usda.gov).

108 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Research, Education, and Economics
The USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) mission area facilitates domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and 

strives to ensure the health and care of animals and plants. MRP agencies are 

active participants in setting national and international standards with broad responsibility for assisting and protecting agriculture and our Nation’s food supply. These 

agencies safeguard our animals (including wildlife), crops, and environment from 

pests, diseases, or other harmful agents; monitor the agricultural marketing system; 

ensure fair trade practices; and assure value and quality in agricultural products that 

are bought and sold.

MRP programs strive to meet tribal expectations for improved and fair marketing 

competitiveness for their agricultural products and protect the Nation’s agricultural 

resources by keeping foreign pests and diseases out of the country, minimizing 

damage caused by wildlife, and protecting certain animals from inhumane treatment. 

The effects of the efforts of these agencies can be seen in the wholesome, affordable 

foods we buy at the grocery store; in the ships that leave American ports filled with 

U.S. grain that feeds the world; and, even at the airport, where MRP works with the 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security to intercept prohibited products and thus to 

protect us from pest and disease contamination from outside our borders.

Three agencies comprise the MRP mission area: the Agricultural Marketing Service 

(AMS), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the Grain 

Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). These agencies 

are committed to facilitating the marketing of U.S. agricultural products and are 

dedicated to working with their customers to meet their needs and to better serve 

American agriculture.

109 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Working With Native Americans and Alaska Natives

USDA recognizes the historic and continuing rights of sovereign tribal governments 

to govern themselves and manage their resources, and it directs its agencies to meet 

their responsibilities toward tribal governments. MRP agencies are committed to 

building day-to-day working relationships with Native American governments and to 

respecting tribal heritage and cultural values in planning and initiating their programs. 

AMS, APHIS, and GIPSA acknowledge their obligations under treaties and statutes 

to protect and maintain the lands, resources, and traditional use areas of American 

Indians and Alaska Natives. This includes retaining utilization of and access to 

off-reservation lands and natural resources by American Indians for purposes of 

hunting, gathering food and cultural and medicinal plants, grazing livestock on open 

and unclaimed lands, and fishing in usual and customary places. MRP officials work 

cooperatively with tribal governments and other Federal agencies, program areas, 

and departments as well as with State and local organizations to enlist interest and 

support in efforts that are mutually beneficial to all parties involved. 

Over the years, program specialists have established and maintained networking 

systems to better consult with Native American leaders about tribal concerns and 

needs. Managers and program coordinators within all three MRP agencies consider 

the impact of decisions on tribal trust resources and consult with tribal governments 

to ensure that tribal rights, issues, and concerns are factored in during the development of projects, programs, and policies. 

Agricultural Marketing Service

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) includes six commodity programs—

Cotton, Dairy, Fruit and Vegetable, Livestock and Seed, Poultry, and Tobacco. The 

programs employ specialists who provide standardization, grading, and market 

news services for those commodities. They also enforce such Federal laws as the 

Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and the Federal Seed Act.

AMS commodity programs oversee marketing agreements and orders, administer research and promotion programs, and purchase commodities for Federal food 

programs, including over $4 million for bison purchases from tribal producers. The 

agency also administers a program involving financial grants to States and tribes for 

marketing improvements. 

In addition, AMS assists in the planning and design of marketing facilities, processes, 

and methods in cooperation with State, tribal, and local governments; universities; 

farmer groups; and other segments of the U.S. food industry. This program enhances 

the overall effectiveness of the food marketing system, provides better quality 

products to the consumer at reasonable cost, improves market access for growers 

with small- to medium-sized farms, and promotes regional economic development.

110 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Additional Information

Whom To Contact: Lloyd C. Day, Administrator (telephone: 202-720-5115; e-mail: 

lloyd.day@usda.gov) or Kenneth C. Clayton, Associate Administrator (telephone: 202-

720-4276; e-mail: Kenneth.Clayton@usda.gov). To learn more about the AMS Civil 

Rights Program, contact Ruihong Guo (telephone: 202-720-0583; e-mail: ruihong.

guo@usda.gov). For additional staff contacts, visit the AMS Web site (http://www.

ams.usda.gov) and select “Contact Us” or access the organizational chart directly 

(http://www.ams.usda.gov/admin/amsorg.htm). For questions or comments on the 

Web page, contact the AMS Webmaster (AMSWebmaster@usda.gov).

Administering Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, 14th Street and 

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-720-5115; Web 

site: http://www.ams.usda.gov).

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is an action-oriented 

agency that works with other Federal agencies, Congress, States, Indian tribes, 

agricultural interests, and the general public to carry out its mission of providing an 

umbrella of protection for the Nation’s plant and animal resources. APHIS is responsible for protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, administering the Animal 

Welfare Act, and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. The agency 

accomplishes its mission through the efforts of six diverse field programs: Animal 

Care, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, International Services, Plant Protection 

and Quarantine, Veterinary Services, and Wildlife Services. 

In recent years, the scope of APHIS’ protective function has expanded beyond 

traditional pest and disease management. While APHIS has always demonstrated its 

technical expertise and leadership in assessing and regulating the risks associated 

with agricultural imports, the agency now has assumed an even greater role in the 

global agricultural arena. 

APHIS uses its scientific resources to respond to other countries’ animal and plant 

health import requirements and to negotiate science-based standards. The agency 

addresses sanitary and phytosanitary trade barriers to ensure that America’s agricultural exports, worth more than $62 billion annually, are protected from unjustified 

trade restrictions. 

Additionally, in response to needs expressed by the American people and Congress, 

APHIS’ protection role also includes wildlife damage management, the welfare 

of animals, human health and safety, and protection of ecosystems vulnerable to 

invasive pests and pathogens. Finally, APHIS ensures that biotechnology-derived 

agricultural products are safe for release into the environment. 

111 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
As of July 2005, APHIS employed 8,225 people with a wide range of scientific, 

technical, and administrative skills working in all 50 States, several Territories, 

and some 37 countries around the world. The agency’s workforce is organized into 

six operational program units, three management support units, the Office of Civil 

Rights, and the Office for Emergency Management and Homeland Security. 

APHIS expended more than $1.34 billion in fiscal year 2005 to carry out its mission. 

The bulk of the agency’s funding comes from Congressional appropriations. The 

agency also receives funding through other sources, including user fees, cooperative 

agreements, and international trust fund arrangements. 

For additional information on any APHIS program, contact your local APHIS office. 

APHIS offices are generally listed in the blue pages of the telephone book under 

the Federal Government, the U.S. Department of Agriculture. You may also contact 

anyone on the list of APHIS Native American Working Group State Representatives 

or write to USDA, APHIS, Native American Working Group, 12345 W. Alameda 

Parkway, Suite 204, Lakewood, CO 80228. You can visit the APHIS Web site at 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov (where the list of State Representatives is displayed) or 

e-mail APHIS (APHIS.Web@aphis.usda.gov) .

Like all USDA agencies, APHIS acknowledges the historic and continuing rights 

of sovereign tribal governments to govern themselves and manage their resources. 

Agency officials work cooperatively with tribal governments, other Federal agencies 

and departments, and State and local organizations to enlist their interest and support 

in mutually beneficial efforts for all parties involved. APHIS managers and coordinators also consult with Native American leaders about tribal concerns and needs in 

relation to agency policies and activities.

112 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Native American Working Group

APHIS has several ongoing programs with Indian tribes that focus on agriculture 

or on the protection of natural resources, facilities, or human health and safety. To 

enhance its program delivery, APHIS has chartered the APHIS Native American 

Working Group (ANAWG). The ANAWG recommends, develops, and implements 

policies and activities designed to increase the delivery of program services and 

to facilitate active partnerships with American Indian tribes, committees, and 

organizations. 

113 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
ANAWG has representatives from all APHIS program areas. The group provides 

assistance and advice to the existing APHIS programs and advises APHIS’ top 

management about ways to enhance program delivery and accessibility to tribes, 

intertribal committees, and related organizations. ANAWG functions under the 

direction of the APHIS Administrator, who retains authority for establishing agency 

policy relating to all APHIS activities and programs of interest to Native Americans. 

The Chair of ANAWG sits on USDA’s Native American Working Group. 

Additional information is available on the ANAWG Web site (http://www.aphis.

usda.gov/anawg).

Primary APHIS Programs

Animal Care

Animal Care administers the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Horse Protection 

Act (HPA). The AWA helps ensure the humane care and treatment of animals used in 

research, exhibited to the public, and transported by common carriers. The Act also 

regulates pets at the wholesale (breeder) level and dealers who sell animals at auctions. 

The AWA requires that minimum standards of care and treatment be provided for 

most warmblooded animals bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported 

commercially, or exhibited to the public. This includes animals exhibited in zoos, 

circuses, and marine-mammal facilities as well as pets transported on commercial 

airlines. The AWA also prohibits staged dogfights, cock fighting, bear and raccoon 

baiting, and similar animal fighting ventures. 

The Horse Protection Act ensures that trainers of gaited horses, such as Tennessee 

Walkers, do not use painful and cruel methods, called soring, to condition their 

horses to display the accentuated gait known as the “Big Lick.”

For additional information, contact Animal Care, USDA/APHIS/AC, 4700 River 

Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737–1234 (telephone: 301-734-7833; fax: 301-734-

4978; e-mail: ace@aphis.usda.gov). 

Biotechnology Regulatory Services

Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) regulates the field testing, movement, 

and importation of genetically engineered organisms that are known to be, or could 

be, plant pests. BRS issues various types of permits for each of these activities. BRS 

also evaluates petitions for deregulation to ensure that products being considered 

for removal from regulation do not pose a threat to U.S. agricultural or environmental health. For more information, visit the BRS Web site (http://www.aphis.usda.

gov/brs).

For additional information, contact Biotechnology Regulatory Services, USDA/

APHIS/BRS, Unit 147, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737 (telephone: 301-

734-5301; e-mail: biotechquery@aphis.usda.gov).

114 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
International Services

International Services works outside the United States to protect U.S. agriculture and 

enhance agricultural trade. The unit maintains a comprehensive information network, 

exchanges technical information, and provides expertise to foreign governments and 

international groups.

In addition, International Services negotiates with foreign agricultural officials 

concerning entry requirements for U.S. agricultural products; conducts cooperative 

agricultural pest and disease programs in foreign locations; and manages preclearance programs for agricultural products shipped to the United States.

For additional information, contact International Services, USDA/APHIS/IS, Stop 

3432, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250. 

Plant Protection and Quarantine

APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) unit protects the Nation’s agricultural and natural resources from the risks associated with the entry, establishment, 

or spread of animal and plant pests, diseases, pathogens, and noxious weeds. PPQ’s 

team of scientists, program specialists, and support personnel executes its complex 

mission through various means, including collection and analysis of pest data, both 

in the mainland United States and offshore; surveying for and detecting exotic pests 

and diseases in the United States; developing quarantine policies and regulatory 

requirements for agriculture commodities and plant resources; inspecting propagative 

plant materials for importation; and responding to plant health threats. In addition, 

the unit develops plant health regulations and oversees their enforcement by the 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection agency at 

airports, seaports, and border check stations.

PPQ assists American farmers and exporters by providing phytosanitary inspection and 

certification for plants and plant products being shipped to foreign countries. These 

phytosanitary certificates, as required by the importing country, certify that the products 

are pest and disease free. The unit also helps to maintain and expand market access for 

U.S. farmers and exporters by engaging in trade negotiations with foreign nations. 

As the lead program for detecting and responding to new plant pests introduced from 

other countries, PPQ works to develop emergency response capacity and cooperation 

with States and tribes in the event of a new serious plant pest introduction. For plant 

pests of limited distribution within the United States, PPQ works with States and 

tribes to help ensure that plant pests are contained or controlled to protect other areas 

of the country.

PPQ’s Center for Plant Health Science and Technology (CPHST) provides scientific 

support for PPQ. CPHST develops state-of-the-art technologies for detecting, identifying, and mitigating risks of exotic pests. In addition, CPHST leads PPQ’s scientific 

research activities in areas such as pest detection, molecular diagnostics, risk assessment, mass-rearing of sterilized insects, and integrated pest management, including 

biological control. 

115 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
For additional information, visit the PPQ Web site (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/

ppq); or contact APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine by telephone (Emergencies: 

301-734-8247; Pest Detection: 301-734-8717; Pest Programs: 301-734-0771; 

Smuggling: 970-494-7510 [Western Region] or 919-855-7342 [Eastern Region]; 

Cargo Inspection Policy or Treatment: 301-734-8295; Commodity Preclearance: 

301-734-4910; Permits: 301-734-0841) or e-mail (APHIS.Web@aphis.usda.gov).

Veterinary Services

Veterinary Services (VS) protects the health of the Nation’s livestock, aquaculture, and poultry resources by regulating the entry of imported animals and animal 

products. The unit is prepared to take emergency action against foreign diseases 

and, with the States and tribes, operates eradication programs for domestic animal 

diseases. VS provides health certification for exported animals and animal products 

and also conducts diagnostic tests and issues licenses for veterinary biological 

products and manufacturers.

People benefit from the work of VS in a variety of ways. Improvements in animal 

health, for example, provide consumers with plentiful, safe supplies of animal products 

at reasonable prices. Licensed and inspected veterinary biologics manufacturers assure 

animal owners that vaccines for their animals will be available and effective.

VS has been working actively with tribes for several years to develop effective 

programs of animal health monitoring and protection. This has been done with 

concerted efforts to train tribal officials and producers on animal health issues and 

management—in developing Memoranda of Understanding with tribes to assist in 

animal health emergencies and other programs, developing Emergency Response 

planning procedures and plans, and in monitoring and controlling specific diseases. 

As part of these efforts, VS has initiated a pilot Tribal Cooperative Veterinarian 

program with three tribes in the Southwest to improve surveillance and monitoring for 

diseases on tribal lands and to assist the tribes in achieving their animal health goals.

For additional information, visit the VS Web site (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs); 

or contact APHIS Veterinary Services (Animal-Related Issues—telephone: 301-734-

8364; fax: 301-734-4704; Importing Animal Products—telephone: 301-734-3277; 

fax: 301-734-8226; Exporting Animal Products—telephone: 301-734-3278; fax: 301-

734-0571; Importing and Exporting Live Animals—telephone: 301-734-8364; Select 

Agents and Organisms and Vectors—telephone: 301-734-5960; fax: 301-734-3652; 

Regionalization and International Trade Negotiations— telephone: 301-734-

734-4356; fax: 301-734-3222; or Sanitary International Standards—telephone: 

301-734-5324; fax: 301-734-8818) or e-mail (APHIS.Web@aphis.usda.gov).

116 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Wildlife Services

Wildlife Services works to reduce wildlife damage to agriculture and natural 

resources, minimize potential wildlife threats to human health and safety, and protect 

threatened and endangered species. The unit cooperates with tribal governments, 

foreign governments, international organizations, and other governmental and private 

organizations on animal and bird damage and nuisance control.

Wildlife is a valuable natural resource enjoyed by Americans across the Nation. 

But as increased urbanization leads to a reduction in wildlife habitat and as wildlife 

populations continue to expand, conflicts between people and wildlife are all too 

frequent. Wildlife can destroy crops; kill livestock; damage property and natural 

resources; and pose serious risks to public health and safety. Wildlife Services 

provides Federal leadership and expertise to resolve these conflicts and create a 

balance that allows people and wildlife to coexist peacefully. With incidents of 

wildlife damage on the rise, the knowledge and skills of Wildlife Services personnel 

are constantly in demand.

Wildlife Services has established strong relationships with many tribes and has 

Memoranda of Understanding with these tribes for assistance with specific programs 

and a focus to achieve tribal goals. These include training tribal officials in animal 

handling techniques, disease monitoring and protection programs for tribal wildlife 

and feral animals, and cooperatively hiring employees to work for both the tribe and 

APHIS to build stronger relationships. 

For additional information, visit the Wildlife Services Web site (http://www.aphis.

usda.gov/ws) or contact APHIS Wildlife Services (USDA/APHIS/WS, 4700 River 

Road, Unit 87, Riverdale, MD 20737). 

Additional Information

Whom To Contact: Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 312-E, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-720-3668; Web site: http://www.

aphis.usda.gov).

Administering Agency: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Room 312-E, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, Washington, DC 20250 (telephone: 202-720-3668; e-mail: APHIS.Web@

aphis.usda.gov).

117 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 

Administration

USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) 

facilitates the marketing of livestock, poultry, meat, cereals, oilseeds, and related 

agricultural products and promotes fair and competitive trading practices for the 

overall benefit of consumers and American agriculture.

As a part of the Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area, GIPSA is helping 

to ensure a productive and competitive global marketplace for U.S. agricultural 

products. As an impartial, third-party entity, GIPSA helps ensure a fair and competitive marketing system for all involved in the merchandising of grain and related 

products, livestock, meat, and poultry.

Federal Grain Inspection Service

GIPSA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service helps move our Nation’s harvest into 

the marketplace by providing farmers, handlers, processors, exporters, and international buyers with sampling, inspection, process verification, weighing, and stowage 

examination services that accurately and consistently describe the quality and 

quantity of the commodities being bought and sold.

GIPSA facilitates the marketing of U.S. grain and related agricultural products by 

establishing standards for quality assessments, regulating handling practices, and 

managing a network of Federal, State, and private laboratories that provide impartial, 

user-fee-funded, official inspection and weighing services.

Packers and Stockyards Program

GIPSA’s Packers and Stockyards Program (P&SP) administers the Packers and 

Stockyards Act (P&S Act) to promote fair and competitive marketing in livestock, 

meat, and poultry for the benefit of consumers and American agriculture. The P&S 

Act is intended to protect producers, other market participants, and consumers from 

unfair, discriminatory, fraudulent, or deceptive practices that might be carried out by 

those subject to the Act.

Additional Information

Whom To Contact: Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 

Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 3601, Room 2055, South 

Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-3601 (telephone: 

202-720-0219). To report violations, call the Violation Hotline (1-800-998-3447).

Administering Agency: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 2055, South Building, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-3601 (telephone: 202-720-0219; Web site: 

http://www.gipsa.usda.gov). 

118 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Marketing and Regulatory Programs
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Elliot, B. “Companion Planting and the Three 

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Frick, M.J., D. Baumbauer, and T. Bruening. 

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Gerstenberg, S.L., D.R. Travis, L.K. 

Hansen, J. Pratt-Shelley, and J.A. Dellinger. 

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119 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

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6–8. 
Appendix 1

Executive Memorandum

The White House Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release • September 23, 2004

Memorandum for the Heads of 

Executive Departments and Agencies 

Government-to-Government Relationship with Tribal Governments

The United States has a unique legal and political relationship with Indian tribes and a 

special relationship with Alaska Native entities as provided in the Constitution of the United 

States, treaties, and Federal statutes. Presidents for decades have recognized this relationship. 

President Nixon announced a national policy of self-determination for Indian tribes in 1970. 

More recently, Executive Order 13175, entitled Consultation and Coordination with Indian 

Tribal Governments, was issued in 2000. I reiterated my Administration’s adherence to a 

government-to-government relationship and support for tribal sovereignty and self-determination earlier this year in Executive Order 13336, entitled American Indian and Alaska Native 

Education. 

My Administration is committed to continuing to work with federally recognized tribal 

governments on a government-to-government basis and strongly supports and respects tribal 

sovereignty and self-determination for tribal governments in the United States. I take pride 

in acknowledging and reaffirming the existence and durability of our unique government-togovernment relationship and these abiding principles. 

This commitment begins at the White House, where my Director of Intergovernmental Affairs 

serves as my White House liaison with all Indian nations and works with federally recognized 

tribal governments on an intergovernmental basis. Moreover, it is critical that all departments 

and agencies adhere to these principles and work with tribal governments in a manner that 

cultivates mutual respect and fosters greater understanding to reinforce these principles. 

Accordingly, the head of each executive department and agency (agency) shall continue 

to ensure to the greatest extent practicable and as permitted by United States law that the 

agency’s working relationship with federally recognized tribal governments fully respects 

the rights of self-government and self-determination due tribal governments. Department or 

agency inquiries regarding this memorandum, specifically those related to regulatory, legislative, or budgetary issues, should be directed to the Office of Management and Budget. 

This memorandum is intended only to improve the internal management of the executive 

branch and is not intended to, and does not, create any right, benefit, or trust responsibility, 

substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, by a party against the United States, 

its agencies, entities, or instrumentalities, its officers or employees, or any other person. 

GEORGE W. BUSH

127 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

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128 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Appendixes

Appendix 2

Departmental Regulation 1340-006

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250

1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to outline the policies of the 

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in its interactions with Indians, Alaska Natives, tribal governments, and 

Alaska Native Corporations (ANC). USDA policies are based 

on and are coextensive with Federal treaties and law. These 

policies pertain to Federally recognized Tribes and ANCS, 

as appropriate, and provide guidance to USDA personnel for 

actions affecting Indians and Alaska Natives. These policies do 

not involve USDA interactions with State-recognized Tribes, 

Indians, or Alaska Natives who are not members of Tribes with 

respect to matters provided for by statute or regulation.

2 DEFINITIONS

Indian tribe (or tribe). Any Indian tribe, band, nation, Pueblo, 

or other organized group or community which is recognized 

as eligible for the special programs and services provided 

by the United States to Indians because of their status as 

Indians.

Alaska Native Corporation. Any Alaska Native village or 

regional corporation established pursuant to the Alaska 

Native Claims Settlement Act, Pub. L. No. 92-203 

(ANCSA).

Indian. A member of an Indian tribe.

Alaska Native. As defined by section 3(b) of ANCSA, a 

citizen of the United States who is a person of one-fourth 

degree or more Alaska Indian (including Tsimshian Indians 

not enrolled in the Metlakla Indian Community) Eskimo, or 

Aleut blood, or a combination thereof. The term includes any 

Native as so defined either or both of whose adoptive parents 

are not Natives. It also includes, in the absence of proof of a 

minimum of blood quantum, any citizen of the United States 

who is regarded as an, Alaska Native by the Native village 

or Native group of which he/she claims to be a member of 

whose father or mother is (or, if deceased, was) regarded as 

Native by any village or group.

a.

b.

c.

d.

DEPARTMENTAL REGULATION Number: 1340-006

DATE: October 16, 1992

OPI: Office of Intergovernmental Affairs 

Office of Public Affairs

SUBJECT: 

Policies on American Indians and Alaska Natives 
129 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Appendixes

Tribal government. The governing body of an Indian tribe 

that has been officially recognized as such by the Federal 

Government.

3 BACKGROUND

The United States Government has a unique, legal and political 

relationship with Indians and their tribal governments as defined 

through treaties, statutes, court decisions, and the United States 

Constitution. The United States Government has obligations 

under treaties and statutes to protect and maintain the lands, 

resources, and traditional use areas of Indians. Tribal governments have powers similar to those of State governments. In 

Alaska, the relationship with ANCs is defined by ANCSA, as 

amended.

4 POLICIES

USDA is the lead agency of the Federal Government 

for providing effective and efficient coordination of 

Federal agricultural and rural development programs. 

USDA recognizes that Indians possess the right to govern 

themselves and manage their resources. Therefore, USDA 

supports and seeks to further the principles of selfgovernance as delineated in the Indian Self-Determination 

and Education Assistance Act of 1975.

Consistent with applicable law, USDA officials will consult 

with tribal governments and ANCs regarding the influence of 

USDA activities on water, land, forest, air, and other natural 

resources of tribal governments and ANCS.

USDA recognizes that tribal governments and ANCs manage 

land for such agricultural activities as farming, grazing, 

hunting, fishing, subsistence agriculture, and gathering of 

plants, animals, and plant products. USDA further recognizes 

that such resources may hold a unique meaning in the 

spiritual as well as everyday lifeways of many Indians and 

Alaska Natives. Consistent with applicable law, USDA 

officials will solicit input from tribal governments and ANCs 

on USDA policies and issues affecting tribes and will seek to 

reconcile Indian and Alaska Native needs with the principles 

of good resource management and multiple use.

USDA agencies will observe the American Indian Religious 

Freedom Act, Pub. L. No. 95-341.

USDA officials will work with the tribal governments, tribal 

high schools, colleges and universities to encourage the 

development of agribusiness skills, awareness and, where 

needed, curricula. USDA will share information through the 

exchange of technical staffs and skills.

e.

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.
130 American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs

Appendixes

USDA officials will work with other Federal and state 

agencies with responsibilities to tribal governments and 

ANCs and will encourage early communication and cooperation among all such organizations.

Consistent with applicable law or regulation, USDA 

managers will facilitate tribal and ANC participation in 

USDA program planning and activities.

5 RESPONSIBILITY

The Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for insuring that 

this policy is followed. The Secretary has delegated authority to certain USDA agencies for carrying out these policies. 

The Office of Public Affairs, Native American Programs 

Office, has primary responsibility for coordinating USDA 

agencies’ programs serving Indians and Alaska Natives. The 

Office of Advocacy and Enterprise has primary responsibility 

for coordinating USDA’s equal employment, civil rights, and 

employment-related outreach to Indians and Alaska Natives.

6 INQUIRIES

Questions or comments pertaining to this regulation may 

be directed to the Office of Public Affairs, Native American 

Programs Office, Room 112-A, Washington, D.C., 20250-1300. 

Telephone 202-720-3805.

Further information on USDA programs will be available in the 

“Guide to USDA Programs for Native Americans.”

f.

g.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and 

activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, 

marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, 

political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any 

public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with 

disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, 

large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 

(voice and TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 

Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250–9410, or call (800) 795–3272 (voice) 

or (202) 720–6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.