Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative (NAFSI)
NAFSI Overview:
With support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, First Nations has launched the Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative. This initiative addresses issues confronting tribes and Native communities as they seek to strengthen the food system in their communities, improve health and nutrition, and build food security. Through an integrated program approach, this initiative seeks to increase the control over Native agriculture and food systems by:
- Providing an opportunity for Native communities to develop innovative projects that strengthen the ability of the community to use, create, leverage, retain, increase or control their agricultural and food-related assets.
- Building the knowledge and understanding of Native agriculture and food systems and facilitating the sharing of experience, expertise, and knowledge among Native communities and organizations.
- Promoting public policies that support the Native agriculture and food sector, and increase the voice of Indian Country in the decision-making process.
- Increasing the awareness and education of the general public on Native agriculture and food-related issues.
- Providing financial and technical support to projects that seek to address the agriculture and food sectors in Native communities.
- Undertaking research projects that build the knowledge and understanding of Native agriculture and food systems issues, and inform Native communities about innovative ideas and best practices.
- Participating in policy forums that work to develop legislative and regulatory initiatives in support of Native agriculture and food systems.
- Building and supporting a regional and national network of Native food sector and related organizations.
- Developing training materials and other resources to assist communities in identifying the resources and strategies necessary to develop sustainable Native agriculture and food systems.
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