Growing Native American Agriculture Outreach Program

Geographic Scope: United States (serves Native American farmers, ranchers, and community food producers across the U.S.)

Program Description:
An innovative program that engages Tribal College & Universities (TCU) staff and students to improve Native American farmers, ranchers, and community food producers' adoption of effective agricultural practices.

Key Components:

• Collaboration with AmeriCorps VISTA program to build program capacity
• VISTA volunteers provide technical assistance, outreach, and education services
• TCU staff, VISTAs, and students assist farmers and ranchers in accessing USDA information and programs
• Community-wide workshops, one-on-one technical assistance, and referrals to USDA resources

Focus Areas:

• Agricultural best practices adoption
• USDA programs and services access
• Agribusiness practices
• Sustainable land-use practices
• Job creation and sustainable growth for tribal agricultural economies

Short-term Impacts:

• Increased knowledge of agricultural best practices and USDA programs
• Increased confidence to implement best practices
• Increased receptiveness to USDA outreach efforts
• Greater intent to implement best practices

Medium-term Impacts:

• Behavior change and actual implementation of best practices
• Increased participation in USDA programs and services

Long-term Impacts:

• New and improved agricultural operations
• More sustainable land-use practices
• Job creation and sustainable growth for Tribal agricultural economies

Contact Information:

• Project Director: John L. Phillips
• Email: jphillips@aihec.org
• Phone: 706-310-4199