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Cultivating the Next Generation of Native Farmers and Ranchers

Belton Moore and Jasmine Locklear

Summary

Since time immemorial, Native peoples have had a rich history rooted deeply in agricultural principles and practices. Currently, more than 79,000 producers across the US identify as Native American and make up approximately 2% of the overall farming population. Collectively, Native American farmers and ranchers farm more than 59 million acres and generate approximately $3.5 billion in agriculture sales. Of the 79,000 producers, over 7% identify as veterans, and 28% identify as beginning farmers and ranchers. With the rising age of farmers, Native and non-Native, it is more important than ever to support beginning farmers and ranchers. Targeted risk management education is needed to make their agricultural operations viable for the next seven generations.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) is the largest philanthropic organization devoted solely to serving Native farmers and ranchers. NAAF’s mission is to fund the provision of business assistance, agriculture education, technical support, and advocacy services to Native American farmers and ranchers to support and promote their continued engagement in agriculture. Since our inception in 2018, NAAF has continually sought to feed our people, grow our economies, and build our futures through grantmaking. NAAF has granted more than $70 million in funding to advance Native agriculture through our four eligible entities.

This session will highlight the work of NAAF grantees who focus specifically on providing advocacy and outreach to beginning Native farmers and ranchers. These organizations will demonstrate the success of BF&R operations in Indian Country.

Details

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