November 10, 2026 | FirstNations.News
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has appointed four members to its Tribal Advisory Committee and is seeking nominations for eight additional positions on the federal panel, which advises the Secretary of Agriculture on issues affecting Tribal Nations and Indian affairs.
The nomination deadline is December 8, 2026. The positions offer paid federal advisory service, including compensation for qualifying committee meeting and travel days, as well as reimbursement for authorized travel expenses.
The committee provides recommendations to USDA on policies and programs affecting Tribal agriculture, food systems, forestry, conservation, rural development and government-to-government consultation.
The nomination process provides an opportunity for Tribal governments, agricultural professionals, educators, financial specialists and other qualified individuals to contribute their expertise to federal agricultural policy discussions.
Four Members Appointed.
On October 23, Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced three appointments, each for a three-year term:
- Mark Fox, Chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, representing the Great Plains Region.
- Enjady Godfrey, General Manager of Mescalero Apache Telecom, Inc., representing the Southwest Region.
- Evan Whitley, Director of Agriculture for the Choctaw Nation, representing the Eastern Oklahoma Region.
A fourth appointment was made by U.S. Representative Angie Craig, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. Craig appointed Dr. Bradford Hall, President of Blackfeet Community College, to complete a vacant term ending in December 2026.
The four appointments represent different areas of expertise, including Tribal government leadership, telecommunications, agricultural administration and higher education.
The appointment of a telecommunications executive is notable because it demonstrates that committee membership is not limited exclusively to farmers, ranchers or agricultural department administrators.
The committee is intended to bring together individuals with a range of professional and regional perspectives relevant to Tribal affairs and USDA programs.
Eight Additional Positions Open for Nominations.
The USDA's October 23 Federal Register notice solicits nominations for eight positions to be filled by congressional leaders.
The appointments are divided as follows:
- Chairperson of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture: two appointments.
- Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture: two appointments.
- Chairperson of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs: one appointment.
- Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs: one appointment.
- Chairperson of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: one appointment.
- Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: one appointment.
Each of the eight newly solicited appointments will carry a three-year term beginning on the date of appointment.
The committee has 11 voting members: three appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and eight appointed by congressional committee leaders.
Committee Members Receive Compensation and Travel Reimbursement.
Unlike many advisory committee positions, membership on the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee includes compensation authorized under federal law.
Under 7 U.S.C. § 6921(b)(6), members receive compensation at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual basic pay prescribed for Executive Schedule Level IV.
The 2026 Office of Personnel Management salary table lists Executive Schedule Level IV at $197,200 annually.
Using a 260-workday calculation, the equivalent is approximately $758.46 per qualifying day.
This is an estimated daily calculation, not a separately advertised USDA payment rate. The law establishes the compensation formula rather than a fixed annual salary for committee members.
The USDA committee bylaws specify compensation for official committee meeting days and travel to and from those meetings.
Travel Expenses Are Paid Separately.
In addition to compensation, members are eligible for reimbursement of authorized travel expenses when performing committee duties away from their homes or regular places of business.
The committee charter provides for reimbursement based on applicable federal lodging and per-Diem rates under 5 U.S.C. § 5703.
Eligible expenses may include authorized transportation, lodging, meals and incidental expenses, subject to federal travel requirements.
The committee's bylaws specify that expenses beyond member compensation are paid by USDA under the direction of the Office of Tribal Relations.
Who Is Eligible for Appointment?
The USDA is seeking nominees who can bring professional expertise and regional perspectives to discussions involving Tribal agriculture, food systems, forestry and related federal programs.
The Federal Register identifies several areas of experience that may be relevant to committee membership, including:
- Farmers and ranchers: Tribal agricultural producers and individuals involved in farming and livestock operations.
- Food businesses: Professionals involved in food production, processing, distribution and agricultural enterprises.
- Subsistence foragers: Individuals with experience in traditional food gathering and subsistence activities.
- Forestry professionals: Individuals experienced in forest management, conservation and natural resource stewardship.
- Agricultural educators: Faculty and staff at land-grant institutions and other educational organizations.
- Extension and technical assistance specialists: Professionals providing agricultural education, research and assistance to Tribal producers.
- Agricultural financiers: Representatives of banks, credit institutions and Native Community Development Financial Institutions.
- Tribal leaders and government officials: Individuals with experience in Tribal administration, economic development and government policy.
- Agricultural and forestry law experts: Attorneys and policy professionals with experience in agricultural regulations, forestry and related legal matters.
These categories represent areas of expertise USDA is seeking to include in the committee's membership. They are not separate professional licensing requirements.
The law also requires that the committee reflect, to the maximum extent feasible, a diverse range of geographic regions, Tribal Nations and agricultural expertise.
Members may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms, subject to appointment and reappointment.
Who Can Submit a Nomination?
The Federal Register identifies three categories of organizations authorized to submit nominations:
- Indian Tribes: Federally recognized Tribal governments meeting the definition under 25 U.S.C. § 5304.
- Tribal organizations: Organizations meeting the applicable federal definition under 25 U.S.C. § 5304.
- National or regional organizations: Organizations with expertise in issues related to the responsibilities of the Tribal Advisory Committee.
Examples identified in the Federal Register include inter-tribal consortia, national or regional Tribal-serving organizations, land-grant institutions and credit institutions such as Native Community Development Financial Institutions.
The USDA also encourages nominations from federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, Tribal organizations and national or regional organizations with relevant expertise in Tribal food, forestry and agriculture.
Importantly, nominees do not have to represent the organization submitting their nomination.
However, the nomination must be submitted by an authorized representative of an eligible organization. Individuals cannot independently submit their own nominations.
How to Apply.
A complete nomination package must include three documents:
1. Nomination Letter.
A letter of no more than two pages explaining the nominee's qualifications and suitability for the committee.
The letter must address the committee's membership composition and relevant expertise. It must be signed by a representative authorized to make decisions on behalf of the nominating organization.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
A resume or curriculum vitae limited to five single-sided pages.
It should include:
- Current and previous organizational affiliations.
- Areas of expertise.
- Education.
- Professional and career positions.
- Other notable positions.
- Geographic locations and regions served.
3. USDA Background Information Form (AD-755).
The nominee must complete and sign the USDA Advisory Committee Membership Background Information Form.
Additional endorsement letters are optional.
Candidates and alternates selected for potential appointments will undergo a USDA background check.
Submission Deadline and Contact Information.
Deadline: December 8, 2026
Nominations must be submitted by email to:
Questions about the nomination process may be directed to:
Josiah Griffin
Designated Federal Officer
USDA Office of Tribal Relations
Telephone: (202) 205-2249
Email: Tribal.Relations@usda.gov
The official nomination announcement is published in the October 23, 2026, Federal Register, Volume 91, pages 66830–66831, Document No. 2026-21655.
What Does the Tribal Advisory Committee Do?
The USDA Tribal Advisory Committee was established under Section 12303 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill. Its authority is codified at 7 U.S.C. § 6921.
The committee advises the Secretary of Agriculture on matters relating to Tribal and Indian affairs.
Its responsibilities include:
- Identifying emerging issues affecting Tribal Nations involving USDA programs.
- Communicating concerns and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture.
- Recommending administrative and legislative solutions.
- Discussing proposed changes to USDA regulations, policies and procedures affecting Tribal governments.
- Advising USDA on government-to-government consultation.
- Identifying barriers between USDA and other federal agencies that affect Tribal communities.
The committee's work touches several areas of federal policy that can directly affect Tribal governments and their citizens.
Agriculture and Food Systems.
USDA administers programs involving agricultural production, food distribution, financing, technical assistance and conservation. These programs can influence Tribal food sovereignty initiatives, agricultural enterprises and access to federal resources.
Forestry and Natural Resources.
Federal forestry and conservation policies affect Tribal land management, natural resource protection and economic development opportunities.
Rural Development.
USDA rural development programs provide resources for infrastructure, housing, utilities, businesses and community facilities. These programs can be particularly important for geographically isolated Tribal communities.
Tribal Sovereignty and Federal Consultation.
The committee has an important role in communicating Tribal concerns and advising USDA on consultation priorities.
Federal law specifically states that the committee is intended to facilitate, not replace, government-to-government consultation between USDA and Indian Tribes.
The committee must submit an annual report to the Secretary of Agriculture and designated congressional committees describing its activities and recommending legislative or administrative actions for the following year.
The Secretary must provide a written response within 45 days of receiving the report.
Meetings and Federal Service Requirements.
Federal law requires the committee to meet in person at least twice annually.
The October 23 nomination notice states that the committee is expected to convene quarterly, with virtual meetings between in-person sessions. All committee meetings will be announced in the Federal Register.
Members may serve on only one USDA advisory committee at a time.
The USDA Office of Tribal Relations provides administrative support and staffing for the committee.
The committee's recommendations are advisory and do not independently establish federal regulations, authorize funding or determine USDA program eligibility.
Opportunity to Strengthen Tribal Representation.
The eight open appointments provide an opportunity for Tribal governments and eligible organizations to recommend individuals with experience in agriculture, food sovereignty, forestry, rural development, agricultural finance and Tribal government.
The combination of professional expertise, regional representation and direct experience with Tribal communities is central to the committee's purpose.
The paid nature of the appointments and reimbursement of authorized travel expenses may also make participation more accessible to qualified individuals who would otherwise face financial barriers to attending federal advisory meetings.
Eligible organizations interested in submitting nominations should review the Federal Register announcement and begin preparing the required documents well ahead of the December 8, 2026, deadline.
