Updates to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) commends the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its recent announcement of crucial updates to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs, set to take effect on September 25, 2024.

Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, CEO of NAAF and proud member of the USDA Equity Commission, emphasized the monumental impact of these efforts, stating, “These long-awaited changes represent a significant step forward for agricultural producers. The culmination of decades of advocacy, the leadership of this administration has made it possible for these essential updates to come to fruition. For those who have faced challenges due to outdated rules and barriers, the improvements in FSA over the past three years have paved the way for a more promising future for all. We are grateful for the dedication of both appointed and career staff who have worked tirelessly to enhance the USDA for the benefit of every producer.”

UPCOMING WEBINAR: Tuesday, August 20th at 12 PM CT

Navigating New USDA Farm Loan Changes for Native Producers

Join the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) and the Native Agriculture Financial Services (NAFS) to ask questions about the latest impact of the changes made to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs and how they can support Native producers in building equity, as well as use this space to discuss from the producer perspective on what will be needed to feel fully prepared for the implementation of these new program changes.

Grantee Highlight

Homestead Community Development Corporation

For our next highlight, we are off to the island of Kauai, Hawaii, to visit our long-time grantee, The Homestead Community Development Corporation (known as HCDC). The HCDC has been making significant strides in supporting Native Hawaiian land sovereignty and youth engagement through their impactful projects. Since being funded, the HCDC has completed two of their NAAF-funded projects. 

HCDC used NAAF funding to purchase a skid steer and an excavator to enhance their equipment depot. Now full of heavy tools and equipment, this depot is accessible to community members, empowering them with the necessary resources for various projects.

HCDC established the Homestead Agricultural Youth Council to address farming issues from the youth's perspective. This council educates young people about land trust principles, policy priorities, and civic responsibilities. The youth council also organized two financial literacy classes, which led to constructing a corral. 

Through the donation of two acres of land, seventeen youth gained hands-on experience in corral and stabling work. Additionally, youth were given sub-grants tied to financial skills such as saving and responsible capital use, fostering financial literacy and practical application.

Through these projects, HCDC continues to empower the community and cultivate future agricultural and land stewardship leaders.

On Wednesday​,​ July 31​,​ ​the ​U.S​. ​Department of Agriculture (USDA)​ announced the transmittal of over $2 billion in funds to over 43,000 agriculture producers and forest land owners who had experienced discrimination by USDA before 2021. The ​Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP)​, authorized by Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed by Congress in 2021, paved the way for this important program to emerge.

Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, CEO of the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), and Janie Simms Hipp, CEO of the Native Agriculture Financial Services (NAFS), join together in providing support and congratulations to USDA and the entire team under Secretary Vilsack’s leadership for paving the difficult path forward to ensure these assistance payments were made.

Ms. Hipp says: “Today is important. It is further proof that by working together, we can be on a better path for our future. 

We at NAFS are thrilled by this announcement and are pleased that so many people were engaged in the process, able to hear about it and submit their applications, and that USDA moved forward so rapidly to ensure this work was done and done well.” 

Ms. Stanger-McLaughlin says: “The recent distribution of payments under DFAP is a testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to overcoming obstacles and expanding access with USDA. Despite obstacles, and in the face of trying to serve many stakeholders, this effort signifies a positive step forward in acknowledging historical discrimination and striving towards a more inclusive future for all Native American farmers, ranchers, and producers. These payments have paved the way for greater equity and access to resources for Native American farmers and ranchers who were unfairly disadvantaged in the past. NAAF applauds the continued commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to create a more inclusive and equitable agricultural landscape for all.”  

SEEKING: Applicants with Agriculture Production Experience

Note on Grantee Eligibility: 

Organizations led or managed by a sitting Trustee are not eligible for grants from NAAF while they are on the Board and for one year after their term(s) end. Those chosen to act as Trustees may continue their involvement with other non-affiliated entities through employment or board service. NAAF maintains a comprehensive conflict of interest policy that rigorously separates Trustees from discussions and decisions related to affiliated entities seeking funding. If you lead or manage an organization that may wish to apply for NAAF grants, please reach out to us at grants@nativeamericanagriculturefund.org to discuss the situation before you submit an application for Trustee. 

Qualifications of the Native American Agriculture Fund Board of Trustees:  

• Two-thirds of the Trustees must have substantial knowledge of agricultural issues, the needs of Native American farmers and ranchers, or other substantive knowledge relevant to accomplishing the Trust’s Mission
• At least one Trustee shall have professional finance and investment experience and  
• At least one Trustee shall have professional grant-making experience

Priority will be given to Keepseagle Claimants and those with Agriculture Production Experience. 

Other preferred qualifications include: 

• Keepseagle Claimant
• Documented Leadership experience
• Agriculture Production experience
• Knowledge and experience working with Tribal producers or Tribal entities
• Experience with similarly situated organizations
• Experience with private charitable trusts
• Current or prior CEO, CFO or COO or Tribal Leadership experience
• Relevant skill sets, including legal, finance, investment, auditing, government affairs, public relations, and community experience
• Knowledge of NAAF and NAAF’s stakeholder communities
• Agribusiness experience
• Philanthropy experience
• Non-profit management experience
• Documented board experience
• Aquaculture experience
• Ag Policy experience
• Ag Scientists  
• Ag Specialists  
• Extension Agents 

Finance experience:  

• MBA  
• CFA  
• Private Equity  
• Investment management   
• Fixed-income   
• Macroeconomics  

To learn more about how to apply and more information on other preferred qualifications please visit our website at https://nativeamericanagriculturefund.org/careers/.

Communications officer Gabrielle Budder and Programs Officer Cindy Farlee visited three organizations from South Dakota: Four Bands Community Development, Sicangu Community Development Corporation, and Makoce Agriculture Development. The NAAF team got to visit the Four Band farmer’s market, participate in a bison harvest with Sicangu Co. and NAAF sponsored interns, as well as record interviews with producers from Makoce Agriculture’s poultry classes.

NAAF Board of Trustees gathered together in Durango, Colorado, for the recent board meeting and an inspiring tour of the Old Fort at Fort Lewis College. Old Fort staff are committed to supporting beginning farmers through incubator and land access opportunities, business planning, and community support. The college also offers access to agricultural education, technical support, and capital through paid agricultural work, living stipends, and scholarships.

The first episode covers an introduction to Native American agriculture and a brief overview of the impact Keepseagle v Vilsack had on Native producers. Hear from our guest speakers, Claryca Mandan, Porter Holder, and Toni Stanger-McLaughlin as they recount their experiences from the Keepseagle case.