The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) President Ben Mallott is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to hold a formal tribal consultation on its plans plans to reorganize the agency.
According to a memorandum released on July 24, 2025, the USDA plans to “consolidate tribal relations functions within mission areas” to ensure the Office of Tribal Relations meets all statutory obligations. [You can read the USDA press release here.]
AFN believes this public comment period does not satisfy USDA’s own Tribal consultation policy. In response, AFN President Ben Mallott has submitted a letter urging USDA to hold a formal Tribal consultation to discuss the potential impacts on Tribal agriculture and related programs.
The USDA is accepting public comments on the proposal through August 26, 2025.
AFN encourages all Tribes and Tribal organizations to submit similar letters requesting proper consultation on the proposed reorganization.
Please send letters by August 26, 2025 to:
Be sure to cc: Tribal.Relations@usda.gov on your submission.