Native American Agriculture Fund

Tolani Lake Enterprises was awarded a grant from the Native American Agricultural Fund to expand our Diné Small Farm and Ranch Development Partnership—a multi-partner initiative supporting Navajo and Hopi farmers and ranchers to revitalize culturally grounded community-based agriculture in the Little Colorado River (LCR) Valley. The project provides training and technical support to community groups and growers to support Newand expanded community farms; increases access to capital for community farms and individual growers through mini-grants and a regional funding proposal; advances culturally grounded policies that will increase access to land for new farms and gardens and guide growers to produce safe food and access new Navajo Nation markets; and shares tools so that others can replicate this work.

Mini Grantees 2021

Navajo Country Recipients

Nevada Recipients

Cameron Farm Enterprise

JQX Farm & Ranch

Red Earth Gardens

Sandsprings Farm

Sliding Rock Farm

NV Bar Cattle

Demlu ‘uli Mongil

PLPT

N8VGardens

Perline Thompson

Mud Creek Farms

Tolbert Farm

Pah Rah Ranch

Cameron Farm Enterprise

CFE utilized their mini-grant award to enhance farm infrastructure, including additional fencing for a 5-acre field and an outdoor wildlife camera near their hoophouse for security. They collaborated with Choice Humanitarian and a group of farm workers for tasks such as organizing and maintaining the farm. Towards the project's end, CFE initiated land withdrawal survey and clearance processes in collaboration with a Native firm based in Flagstaff, AZ.

JQX Farm & Ranch

The JQX Farm and Ranch is focused on regenerative agricultural practices, has made significant strides since its inception. With a 5,000-watt power system now operational and a water pump connected to the irrigation system secured through an additional grant, the farm has achieved crucial infrastructure advancements. Mentoring emerging leaders, the project emphasizes composting, rotational grazing, hydroponics, and smart gardening to bolster food security in Grand Falls. This initiative's integration of technology with traditional knowledge aims to sustainably increase food production while fostering community values and positive social interactions

Red Earth Gardens

Red Earth Gardens utilized their grant award to upgrade their farm by addressing limited storage and space issues. This allowed them to acquire essential materials for their drip irrigation system, water catchment system, fence repairs, and a storage shed. Additionally, they initiated community outreach in Ganado, AZ, promoting locally grown, organic, sustainable produce and educating the Diné (Navajo) people on food sovereignty and security through garden demonstrations, harvest festivals, garden work parties, workshops, and more.

Sandsprings Farm

The farm project strives to enhance local food security by implementing key objectives, including setting up irrigation systems, acquiring essential equipment like a corn grinder, and hiring seasonal farm help. Despite weather challenges, they've utilized advance payments and donations for tools and materials. Preparations for the upcoming planting season involve site cleanup, installing drip lines, and potential collaboration with local farmers for equipment and seedlings, aiming to optimize water management and crop yield.

Sliding Rock Farm

At Tse’Adahnidilwoo’I (Sliding Rock) Farms, the project focused on boosting local food security by planting diverse plots, setting up water infrastructure, and creating community spaces. Despite weather challenges and flooding, notable progress was achieved, planting 11 out of 12 plots, installing water tanks, and initiating outdoor community areas. Infrastructure improvements and collaborations with organizations like To Nizhoni Ani and Nihikeya have been instrumental in supporting funding and crew pay for future development. 

NV Bar Cattle

With the aid of this grant, Amber Gonzalez secured a tractor vital for managing her cow-calf operation in Fallon, Nevada. This support enabled the acquisition, enhancing her capacity for summer farming and directly benefiting elders while bolstering food production for her livestock. For three years, she's championed local agriculture, selling calves and initiating a winter meat donation for elders, amplifying her impact within the community.


Demlu ‘uli Mongil 

This community project promotes sustainable gardening in a challenging desert landscape, focusing on permaculture and organic practices. Led by Benny Fillmore, the initiative replaces fire-damaged trees, introduces culturally significant plants, and builds essential infrastructure. Despite delays, the project thrives with community events celebrating indigenous culture and a shift towards communal stewardship, fostering environmental preservation and cultural heritage.

PLPT

Charlotte Harry's family honors her legacy by nurturing a 20-acre ranch with sustainable agriculture and cultural practices. They aim to create a hoop house and a one-acre organic garden, promoting sustainable gardening and caring for animals. This project, based on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation, emphasizes food sustainability and cultural preservation for a resilient community.

N8VGardens

N8V Gardens, a new microgreen and vegetable garden, prioritizes community access to quality produce. Operating on 10 acres, they cultivate various crops using sustainable methods and traditional knowledge. Implementing sustainable upgrades like new greenhouse plastic and drip irrigation, this project enhances crop growth while addressing food accessibility issues within the tribal community, promoting healthier choices.

Perline Thompson

On the Duckwater Tribe Reservation, Perline Thompson expanded their poultry operation to supply eggs to the community and plan to breed turkeys for sale. By expanding the chicken run and creating a separate turkey area, they've boosted egg production and facilitated turkey breeding, supporting local food sustainability.

Mud Creek Farms

Established since 2010 on a small plot, this farming initiative embraces diverse cultivation, focusing on sustainable practices like no-till gardening and organic amendments. Despite location challenges, investments in soil improvement, fencing, and irrigation upgrades, funded by the grant, aimed to enhance future productivity and sustainability.

Tolbert Farm

Tolbert Farm, managed by Shania Tolbert, supports indigenous youth by offering hands-on agricultural experiences with market lambs and poultry. The grant-funded sheep shelter marks a successful milestone, aiding future expansions to empower more youth in tribal agriculture.

Pah Rah Ranch

Pah Rah Ranch, initiated in 2023, aims to practice regenerative agriculture, raising sheep, chickens, and ducks while exploring beekeeping. They're focused on building self-reliance and contributing to their community's food security through sustainable practices. Despite challenges due to injuries, they acquired electric fencing and irrigation equipment to advance their sustainable farming vision.