USDA sets 2024 tribal consultations to boost services

By Farms.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is preparing for its Annual Consultation and Listening Session on Tribal Barriers from April 22 to April 26, 2024. These sessions are vital for reinforcing the USDA's relationships with Tribal Nations and understanding their unique needs.

The schedule for the 2024 sessions is as follows: 

• Education and Research (Monday, April 22): Begins with a Tribal Caucus from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET, followed by the main session until 5:30 p.m. ET. Click Here to Register

• Forests and Public Lands Management (Tuesday, April 23): Focuses on managing shared lands and forest resources. Click Here to Register

• Farming, Ranching, and Conservation (Wednesday, April 24): Discusses the latest in sustainable practices and conservation in agriculture. Click Here to Register

• Economic Development (Thursday, April 25): Concentrates on economic initiatives and support for Tribal businesses. Click Here to Register

• Food, Food Safety, and Trade (Friday, April 26): Explores issues around food production, safety standards, and trade relationships. Click Here to Register

These meetings are part of the USDA's broader effort to improve its service offerings and interactions with the 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations. Over the past three years, significant strides have been made in enhancing support for Native producers, including more integration of Native foods into nutrition assistance programs and increased marketing support.

Each session provides an opportunity for Tribal leaders to engage directly with USDA officials, ensuring that the department's policies and programs are aligned with Tribal priorities and needs. This ongoing dialogue is crucial for maintaining the Nation-to-Nation trust relationship and for the USDA to continue adapting its programs to support the self-determination and growth of Tribal Nations.