USDA Appoints Members to Tribal Advisory Committee
The USDA has filled four committee vacancies and is currently accepting nominations for eight additional open positions.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Native American
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The USDA has appointed four new members to the Tribal Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on matters related to Tribal and Indian affairs. Alongside these appointments, the agency has officially opened the nomination process for eight additional committee seats.
Why it matters
Established under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, this committee ensures that Tribal voices directly influence federal agricultural policy. It provides a formal mechanism for leaders and experts to consult with the Secretary on programs impacting Indigenous communities.
The committee is mandated to convene for at least two in-person meetings each year to conduct its advisory work. Appointments for the newly seated members are set for three-year terms, while the open nomination window remains active until December 8, 2026.
The players
USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture is the federal executive department responsible for developing and executing laws related to farming, forestry, and food.
Mark Fox
He is an appointed member of the Tribal Advisory Committee representing the Great Plains Region.
Enjady Godfrey
He is an appointed member of the Tribal Advisory Committee representing the Southwest Region.
Evan Whitley
He is an appointed member of the Tribal Advisory Committee representing the Eastern Oklahoma Region.
Dr. Bradford Hall
He is a committee member appointed by Representative Angie Craig with a term ending in December 2026.
The details
The recent appointments include Mark Fox, Enjady Godfrey, and Evan Whitley, who will each serve three-year terms. Additionally, Representative Angie Craig appointed Dr. Bradford Hall, whose specific term is scheduled to conclude in December 2026.
Timeline
May 2025: Secretary Rollins issued Secretarial Memorandum 1078-010.
October 23, 2026: The USDA announced the new appointments and opened the nomination window.
December 2026: Dr. Bradford Hall will conclude his term on the committee.
December 8, 2026: The formal nomination period for the eight vacant committee seats closes.
Culture Shift
These committee appointments reflect a broader ongoing effort to institutionalize Tribal consultation within federal administrative structures. This process marks a departure from historical governance styles by formalizing Indigenous input through the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
The committee's work directly influences how federal agricultural programs and resources are distributed to Tribal nations across the country. Interested individuals or community leaders can participate in the process by submitting nominations before the December 2026 deadline.
The takeaway
The Tribal Advisory Committee serves as a vital bridge between federal regulators and Indigenous communities. Stakeholders interested in agricultural policy should monitor the USDA Federal Register notices to remain informed about future leadership opportunities.
What happens next
The nomination period for the eight remaining committee positions will officially close on December 8, 2026.
Further reading
For more on how government policy shapes advocacy, see the Native American section.
More information
View full details and nomination procedures on the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Usda.
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