Native American farmers and ranchers in the Southwest are constantly facing severe environmental, health, and economic hardships. This program is designed to bridge the gap between Native American producers and federal resources, to fortify tribal agriculture, preserve natural resources against rapidly changing weather patterns and increasing drought, and to improve tribal economies and public health.
The Southwest Indian Agricultural Association, Inc. (SWIAA) has over 35 years of track record providing outreach, education, and support to Native farmers and ranchers in the Southwest. The “Overarching Goal” of this program is to expand the delivery of conservation assistance to historically underserved Native American farmers and ranchers on tribal lands.
Partnering with Apex Applied Technology, Inc. (AATech) and the University of Arizona Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program (FETEP), SWIAA project team will work closely with NRCS field offices in Arizona addressing local/regional conservation issues, promoting “Climate Smart” agriculture practices and principles, encouraging partnerships building among small Native American food producers, building community leadership, and providing career training for Native American youth. The project team will particularly focus on promoting USDA natural resources conservation programs, such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and other programs that NRCS administers. This proposed program will deliver conservation assistance to hundreds of historically underserved Native farmers and ranchers in the Southwest.
