The Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs (OAIANNHP) has launched a project to help develop a searchable list of American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian farmers willing to sell direct-to-consumers through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) On-Farm Market Directory.  On-farm markets are defined as being managed by a single farm operator that either sells products on their farm, or on a property next to their farm.  OAIANNHP has developed a quick, easy application for farmers of federally recognized tribes.  Please read about the potential benefits of this project below and visit our dedicated web page for additional information.

Developing a searchable list through USDA’s Directory may benefit Title VI programs in the following ways:

• It may help Title VI programs by ensuring there is always a viable marketplace available to find and purchase fresh, in season products to serve to their elders while simultaneously supporting their local economies.
• Some farmers may offer traditional foods that would be difficult to find otherwise.  Building this list will help Title VI programs search and locate these culturally important, nutritious foods.
• It may provide Title VI programs with a reliable, alternative source of local food vendors in times of crisis or economic instability.
• Applying through OAIANNHP will ensure farmers are properly identified and searchable by Title VI programs in USDA’s Directory by one of the following keywords:  American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian.
• This project may result in the creation of more targeted directories for Title VI programs.