Native Agriculture Financial Services

Overview

Native Agriculture Financial Services (NAFS) is a nonprofit financial institution established to provide capital to Native American farmers and ranchers in the United States. It is part of a broader initiative to increase access to financial services for Native agricultural producers, addressing historical inequities in credit access.

Background

NAFS was created with significant support from the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), which invested $12 million to stand up the first-ever Other Financing Institution (OFI) within the Farm Credit System (FCS)[1]. This strategic partnership aims to leverage the resources of the FCS, the nation’s largest agriculture lender, to offer extensive financial services tailored to Native American producers and tribal governments[1].

Key Objectives

• Financial Access: Facilitate access to hundreds of millions in lending opportunities, initially through participatory loans with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) focused on Native agriculture and rural economic development[1][2].
• Credit Services: Expand into providing direct credit and financial services specifically designed for Native agricultural producers and tribal governments[1].
• Equity and Inclusion: Address systemic barriers to capital that have historically disadvantaged Native farmers and ranchers, reflecting on lessons from the Keepseagle case[1].

Leadership and Structure

Janie Simms Hipp, a seasoned advocate for Native American agriculture, is the President and CEO of NAFS. Her experience includes serving as General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and spearheading initiatives like the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative[1].

Impact and Partnerships

NAFS collaborates with Native CDFIs to enhance financial opportunities for Native agriculture. This includes partnerships with entities like Akiptan CDFI, which focuses on agriculture-related financing and technical assistance for Native businesses[5]. These alliances underscore NAFS's role in promoting sustainable growth and food sovereignty within Native communities.

Role in Food Sovereignty

Native Agriculture Financial Services contributes to broader efforts in Indigenous food systems by providing financial tools that support tribal economies and enhance food sovereignty. NAFS plays a crucial role in fostering economic empowerment and maintaining traditional food systems within Native American communities[5].