The USDA Council for Native American Farming and Ranching (CNAFR) held its first ever meeting at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC on Tuesday, Aug. 14 and Mary Thompson, EBCI tribal member and CNAFR member, was in attendance.
“I’m pleased that Mary Thompson provided a voice for Cherokee Indian in our state as the Council held its first meeting this week,” said Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC). “It’s imperative that Cherokee Nation and North Carolina have fair access to important USDA programs that will help grow the economies of tribal communities and of our entire state.”
The CNAFR was created as part of the Keepseagle Settlement and operates under the USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations, part of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture.
“The role of the CNAFR is to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on issues related to the participation of Native American farmers and ranchers in USDA programs including farm loan programs;” information from the CNAFR states, “transmit recommendations concerning any changes to USDA regulations or internal guidance or other measures that would eliminate barriers to program participation for Native American farmers and ranchers.”
– ONE FEATHER STAFF REPORT
