Putting Tribal SovereigntyIFAI’s policy and research team monitors the Federal Register for updates, notices, information, events, and more that are important or could impact Indian Country. The listings are broken down into three categories:
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Announcements
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Rule/Policy Updates
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Nominations
Announcements
These are Federal Register notices about upcoming Tribal Consultations, listening sessions, public meetings, and funding opportunities as well as policy updates.
Program Review – Subsistence Management for Public Lands in Alaska
Type of Comment: Public Notice
Overview:
- USDA’s Forest Service and the Office of the Secretary of Interior are extending the public comment period for the review of the Federal Subsistence Management Program (FSMP). Both departments are conducting a targeted review of the FSMP to ensure it meets the needs of Alaska residents. The notice 90 FR 57941 was initially published on Dec. 15, 2025. The new deadline for comments is now March 30, 2026.
Rule/Policy Updates
These are Federal Register notices about rules, regulations, and policy updates that have potential impacts to Tribal food and agriculture and provide opportunities for public comments or feedback.
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska – 2027-28 and 2028-29 Subsistence Taking of Fish and Shellfish Regulations
Type of Action: Proposed Rule
Overview:
- This proposed rule would update regulations for fish and shellfish seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during 2027-28 and 2028-29 regulatory years. Public meetings will be held to discuss the proposed rule in spring (Feb. 17 – April 1) and fall (Sept. 24 – Oct. 29). Public comments and proposals to amend this proposed rule must be submitted by April 3, 2026.
Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program
Type of Action: Final Rule
Overview:
- USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has issued a final rule to provide $11 billion in one-time bridge payments to American farmers for temporary market disruptions and increased production costs. The FBA Program will use a uniform formula to cover a portion of losses during the 2025 crop year. Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations are among the list of producers that may be eligible to receive payments. The final rule takes effect on Feb. 23, 2026.
Maximum Line Speed Under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System
Type of Action: Proposed Rule
Overview:
- USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a proposed rule allowing establishments under the NSIS to have more control in determining their own line speeds. Under this proposed rule, FSIS also proposes that its inspectors may reduce the rate of establishment operations in the slaughter process if it is perceived that there is a loss of process control. The removal of the requirement for annual attestation to FSIS is also being proposed. Comments must be received by April 20, 2026
Maximum Line Speed Rates for Young Chicken and Turkey Establishments Operating Under the New Poultry Inspection System
Type of Action: Proposed Rule
Overview:
- USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a proposed rule amending regulations related to line speed rates for chicken and turkey establishments. Proposed amendments include allowing young chicken establishments to operate at line speeds up to 175 birds per minute (bpm); increasing the maximum line speed for turkey establishments from 55 bpm to 60 bpm; and clarifying FSIS’ role in directing operations at reduced line speed. Comments must be received by April 20, 202
Nominations
Including Native voices and perspectives to inform federal agencies through committees and boards is critical to addressing the unique needs of Indian Country. Check out this curated list of current opportunities, and please reach out with any questions: agpolicy@uark.edu.