USDA Cuts $15 Million in Montana Tribal Farm Grants

USDA cut nearly $300 million in farm grants, including nearly $15 million to Montana tribes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture terminated 50 grants awarded in 2023 under the Increasing Land, Capital and Market Access Program, citing discriminatory preferences tied to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and wasteful spending. Key Montana recipients include the Piikani Lodge Health Institute and the Chippewa Cree Tribe, whose projects now face significant delays or potential halts.

The USDA ended a nearly $9 million grant to Piikani Lodge and a nearly $6 million grant to the Chippewa Cree Tribe, which had received only about $50,000 of its funds. The Chippewa Cree planned to buy a 320-acre property for roughly $400,000, while Piikani Lodge aimed to support about 300 farmers and ranchers across Glacier and Pondera counties. The USDA flagged a $20,000 barbecue smoker as an example of misuse. Piikani Lodge intends to appeal within 30 days through the National Appeals Division.

Montana’s tribal agricultural initiatives might face setbacks from these federal actions, which reflect broader tensions over DEI policies and funding accountability. Given the economic challenges in reservations like Rocky Boy’s—with a median income far below the state average—these disruptions could slow local efforts to boost agricultural viability and community stability.

By Nora Mabie, Montana Free Press