An important function of this newsletter is to share the Choctaw Nation’s Agriculture and Natural Resources department’s efforts for the betterment of agriculture and the rural community within the Nation’s Tribal boundary and beyond. I’m proud to update you about that now.
First, the Choctaw Nation was invited to consult the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Conference. This consultation – an overview of the disciplines of Forestry, Meat Inspection and Food Sovereignty – will be utilized to guide and direct language in the new Farm Bill, which relates to self-determination for indigenous people.
Secondly, we were also invited by the Indian Agriculture Council (IAC) to participate in the first trade mission dedicated to indigenous products, which was held by the USDA in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We discussed things such as exportation market opportunities for well-known Choctaw Nation-agricultural products, such as beef and pecans.
It’s hard to say right now where these efforts may take us, but it was certainly nice to have a seat at such important tables as even more-important issues were discussed. More later on that.
Until next time!