The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC), headquartered in Billings, Montana, is the leading national organization dedicated to the advancement of Native American agriculture and food systems. Since its founding in 1987, the IAC has served as a powerful voice for tribal producers, advocating for policy reform, market access, youth leadership, and sustainable development across the United States.
Organization Overview
Established in response to the lack of representation for Native producers in federal agricultural policies, the Intertribal Agriculture Council has grown into a robust and multifaceted organization. With a network spanning over 574 federally recognized Tribes and operating across 12 regional zones, the IAC provides critical resources, advocacy, and economic development opportunities to support tribal sovereignty through food and agriculture.
Core Programs and Services
1. Technical Assistance and Outreach
- Over 100 Technical Assistance Specialists (TAs) deployed across the U.S.
- Support for conservation planning, business development, FSA/NRCS program navigation, and tribal land leasing issues
- Delivered over 3,500+ one-on-one support sessions to Native producers in 2023
2. American Indian Foods Program (AIF)
- Established in 1998 under a USDA cooperative agreement
- Helps Native producers access domestic and international markets
- Participation in major trade events including SIAL Paris, Gulfood Dubai, and Natural Products Expo West
- Over 70 tribal food businesses supported annually through export-readiness training and promotion
3. Youth Programs and Leadership Development
- Annual Youth Leadership Summit with 150+ attendees from across Indian Country
- Fellowship and internship opportunities placed in partnership with USDA, NGOs, and tribal governments
- Founding partner of Native Youth Food Sovereignty Alliance
4. Policy and Government Relations
- Active policy working group engaging with USDA, BIA, and Congress
- Advocacy focused on:
- Equitable access to USDA programs
- Tribal sovereignty over natural resources
- Farm Bill inclusion of Native producer priorities
- Played a key role in the formation of the Office of Tribal Relations at USDA
5. Regenerative Economies Program
- Promotes climate-smart, regenerative agricultural practices
- Launched the Rege[N]ation initiative to support localized food economies
- Pilot projects include:
- Tribal seed banks
- Indigenous grazing programs
- Carbon offset feasibility assessments
6. Education and Online Training
- Online courses on agricultural finance, land stewardship, and food sovereignty
- Hosted on IAC’s digital learning platform with 1,200+ registered Native learners
- Ongoing webinars and workshops co-hosted with USDA and university partners
Financial and Operational Insights
- Operates under IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit status
- Funded through a mix of:
- USDA cooperative agreements (e.g., AIF Program)
- Philanthropic grants (e.g., from Native American Agriculture Fund, W.K. Kellogg Foundation)
- Tribal, individual, and foundation donations
- Estimated annual budget (FY 2023): USD 8–10 million
- Staff: Approx. 60 full-time and contract employees
Strategic Impact
- Serves tribal producers representing over 55 million acres of Indian agricultural lands
- Over $50 million in USDA program enrollments supported since 2018
- Expanded market access for Native food brands to 12+ countries
- Published over 20 tribal food sovereignty reports and policy briefs since 2020
Key Partners and Affiliations
- USDA Office of Tribal Relations
- Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF)
- Intertribal Timber Council
- Indian Land Tenure Foundation
- Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (University of Arkansas)
Brands and Initiatives
- American Indian Foods (AIF) – The IAC’s market-facing program helping Native food entrepreneurs export globally
- Rege[N]ation – Initiative promoting regenerative Indigenous land management and local food systems
Testimonials
“The IAC’s American Indian Foods program helped us break into the EU market. Their export training and access to trade shows were invaluable.”
— Beatrice Yazzie, Founder, Diné Harvest Organics
“Without the IAC, I would’ve never gotten my grazing lease approved. Their TA Specialist walked me through every step.”
— Elijah Running Horse, Rancher, Northern Cheyenne Nation
Achievements
- Co-authored the Indigenous Farm Bill Coalition Platform 2023
- Secured permanent USDA funding for the Tribal Advisory Committee
- Hosted over 15 international buyer missions in collaboration with USDA FAS
- Launched the first National Native Farm Database for resource mapping in 2022
- Received USDA Partnership Award in 2020 for outstanding service to tribal communities
The Intertribal Agriculture Council continues to empower Native food producers by reclaiming traditional knowledge, expanding economic opportunity, and advancing policy reforms. It remains the cornerstone institution supporting tribal agricultural sovereignty across the United States.
