The Native Farm Bill Coalition (NFBC) is a nationwide initiative to lift up the voices of Native American producers and Tribal governments to advance common policy agenda. It works to ensure that Indian Country’s priorities are acknowledged and included in the decision making process for the next Farm Bill, from farming and ranching to nutrition programs, rural development and forestry. The NFBC is a joint project of the Intertribal Agriculture Council, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, the National Congress of American Indians, and the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, its official research partner.
Since the Coalition’s launch in October 2017, more than 170 Tribes, Intertribal groups, other Native organizations, and non-Native allies have become members of the Native Farm Bill Coalition. Together, the members developed the Coalition’s priorities for the Farm Bill and kept Congress focused on Tribal concerns.
After successfully helping to shape the 2018 Farm Bill, the Coalition has remained active and continues to advocate on behalf of Indian Country interests. This involves working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on its implementation of the new Tribal authorities and access under the Farm Bill. The Coalition continues to educate policymakers on Native nutritional and agricultural issues, assisting in oversight activities and urging Congress to further expand its recognition of Tribal self-determination authority.
Welcome to the NFBC Team!
Mai Nguyen is a new member of NFBC’s Executive Committee assisting in policy strategy.
Mai joined the Intertribal Agriculture Council as the Policy Director in September of 2024. Prior to IAC, Mai was a policy advisor for Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06) covering a diverse policy portfolio including Native affairs, agriculture, healthcare, public lands, and other issues.
Before making a career change to focus on policy, Mai received her PhD in Cognitive Psychology at Princeton University. Mai grew up in Washington State and currently resides in Southern California.