Cooperatives important component in Reimagining Native Food Economies Report

CDF and NCBA CLUSA are partnering with the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) on an online conference to look at the potential of cooperatives to enhance food systems in Indian Country. The date of the conference has not been set. The work is part of a larger effort by NAAF to develop infrastructure to support Native American agriculture.

NAAF recently released “Reimagining Native Food Economies” which proposes the development of 10 regional food hubs in Indian Country to provide processing and distribution infrastructure for food grown and raised by Tribal farmers and ranchers. The proposal recommends spending $400,000,000 over 10 years for the development of food hubs. In addition to considering cooperatives as an organizational model for Native American agriculture enterprises, the proposal also includes $2,000,000 in annual support to hubs for education and training for agricultural cooperatives.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) provides grants to eligible organizations for business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services to support Native farmers and ranchers.

The charitable trust was created by the settlement of the landmark Keepseagle v. Vilsack class-action lawsuit. NAAF is the largest philanthropic organization devoted solely to serving the Native American farming and ranching community.