A 2013 meeting of the Council for Native American Farming and Ranching. Photo by Lance Cheung / USDA
The Obama administration is seeking nominees for the Council for Native American Farming and Ranching. The council was created through the Keepseagle settlement that addressed discrimination at the Department of Agriculture. It consists of 15 members who advise the Agriculture Secretary on ways to eliminate barriers to Native American participation in USDA programs. "The council will discuss issues related to the participation of Native American farmers and ranchers in USDA programs and transmit recommendations concerning any changes to regulations or internal guidance or other measures," a notice that was published in the Federal Register on Wednesday states. Of the 15 members, 11 are open to the Native community. Interested applicants must submit nomination materials by August 22, according to the notice. Since being established in 2012, the council has met numerous times to discuss ways to improve USDA programs in Indian Country. The last meeting took place in April. The members of the council serve two year terms. The last group was named in September 2014 and included some carryovers from the first group. The Keepseagle settlement resolved complaints of discrimination from Native farmers and ranchers, who received monetary payments as part of the agreement. Federal Register Notice:
Re-Establishment of the Council for Native American Farming and Ranching (July 6, 2016)
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