Tribal communities in the Midwest and Great Plains regions are actively embracing and sharing traditional agricultural knowledge to enhance soil health and water conservation efforts for the benefit of all. Led by indigenous leaders like Timothy Rhodd, chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, tribes are transitioning from conventional farming practices to regenerative agriculture methods.
Recognizing the vital role of pollinators, the Iowa Tribe has integrated beekeeping into their agricultural operation, Ioway Farms, not only for honey production but also for orchard pollination. The tribe has shifted away from yield-focused approaches and adopted practices like prescribed burns and cover crops that ensure year-round ground cover. Understanding the significance of soil, farmers now view it as a valuable "livestock" component, on par with the plants they cultivate.
Building upon their experiences, the Iowa Tribe is initiating the Center for Excellence for Regenerative Native Agriculture (CERNA). With support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, CERNA aims to share traditional knowledge and regenerative practices with both Native and nonnative farmers. Technical and financial assistance will be provided to assist farmers in transitioning from conventional to regenerative agriculture.
The USDA acknowledges the importance of supporting these Indigenous-led efforts to improve farming practices. Josiah Griffin, policy advisor for economic development and food systems at the USDA's Office of Tribal Relations, emphasizes the agency's commitment to fulfilling its "trust and treaty" responsibility by facilitating access to USDA programs for tribes. The integration of Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge aligns with the Biden-Harris administration's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing among tribes are already yielding positive outcomes. Michelle Bowden, food sovereignty director of the Quapaw Nation in Oklahoma, highlights the value of exchanging experiences with other tribes, which has bolstered their regenerative agriculture endeavors. The Quapaw Nation's commitment to food sovereignty led to the establishment of farmers' markets, seed libraries, greenhouses, gardens, and exploration of foraging and permaculture projects.
By promoting regenerative practices, tribes in the region are setting an example for sustainable land management, fostering resilience, and preserving traditional agricultural wisdom for generations to come.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-dmytro-diedov
Categories: Kansas, Sustainable Agriculture