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Intertribal Agriculture Council Calls for Farm Bill Reauthorization to Support Tribal Nations, Agricultural Producers


Billings, Montana, May 23, 2025—This week, the House narrowly passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a wide-ranging bill that could significantly impact Tribal farmers, ranchers, and families.


Among other provisions, the bill reduces federal spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by approximately $300 billion over the next ten years while increasing spending on federal crop insurance, commodity support programs, and other assistance by approximately $60 billion. It also reauthorizes a range of agriculture programs that are typically addressed in the Farm Bill every five years, such as the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), and the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program.


Support for Tribal Agriculture is Mixed

The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) acknowledges that while the bill contains some positive measures that support small farmers, a full and comprehensive Farm Bill is essential for the future of Tribal agriculture.


“Tribal farmers and ranchers continue to face economic challenges, and IAC appreciates the House taking steps to support farmers and ranchers by improving the affordability of crop insurance, increasing access to drought relief programs, and reauthorizing voluntary conservation programs,” said Kari Jo Lawrence, CEO of IAC. “However, these measures fall short of what Tribal Nations and producers need. I call on Congress to continue Farm Bill negotiations and support economic opportunity, job creation, and domestic food production in Tribal and rural communities.”


What’s at Stake for Tribal Communities

The House and Senate introduced Farm Bill texts last year, marking progress for Tribal sovereignty through expanded 638 authority, improved Tribal parity in USDA program eligibility, and changes to farm loan programs that improve access to capital for Tribal producers. Without these reforms, Tribal agriculture will continue to face barriers in accessing federal programs that increase economic development and build food security. 


One in four Tribal members experiences food insecurity, and many rely on federal food assistance programs, including SNAP. Changes to the SNAP program could also shift demand across federal food support systems, underscoring the importance of continued investment in Tribal agriculture and food programs that risk delay or disruption without the passage of a comprehensive Farm Bill.


The One Big Beautiful Bill Act now moves to the Senate, where revisions are under consideration.

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Intertribal Agriculture Council

PO Box 958, Billings, MT 59103

Tel: (406) 259-3525 

Fax: (888) 245-9694 

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© 2025 Intertribal Agriculture Council

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