Alabama Hosts Program Delivery Initiative for American Indian Tribes

Participants representing nine tribes from as far north as Maine and as far south as Florida recently met on the Poarch Band of Creek Indian Reservation near Atmore, Alabama, for an American Indian Program Delivery Initiative. Addressing the group, Richard Coombe, NRCS East Regional Assistant Chief, said, “NRCS is doing many things to help America’s first farmers reach their conservation goals. About 125 tribal nations are now participating in NRCS programs. USDA and NRCS are working with tribal leaders across America to support their efforts to bring economic opportunity and an enhanced quality of life to tribal members. That effort is working well. According to the most recent census, the number of American Indians in production farming is increasing. NRCS wants to ensure that America’s first farmers continue to make a comeback.”

Visit the NRCS Alabama web site.

Annabelle Romero, Director, USDA’s Office of Native American Programs, praised the work of the Native American working groups. “USDA’s Native American working group is involved in everything we are doing among Indian tribes. The agencies are the ones that do the work, and I rely on them,” Romero said.

Your contact is Julie Best, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 334-887-4549.