By Jamie Martin
The Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust (PPLT) is making significant strides in promoting food sovereignty and land reclamation among Indigenous communities in the Northeast, thanks to crucial USDA funding.
This Tribally led nonprofit focuses on empowering Native American groups by reconnecting them with agricultural practices and enhancing local food systems.
Through programs supported by the USDA’s 2501 Program, National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP), PPLT has developed valuable partnerships and community-based projects.
These initiatives include community gardens and mentorship programs that bolster local food production and distribution.
“Leveraging the 2501 Program funding, BFRDP, and NRCS grants has created a functional series of programs that we would never have had otherwise,” stated Nathan Erwin, Director of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at PPLT. His efforts emphasize creating equitable access to land and expanding agroecological knowledge among farmers.
The funding and collaborative efforts have not only improved access to healthy, fresh food but have also fostered a renewed sense of community and cultural identity among the Indigenous peoples of the Northeast.
By strengthening these ties, PPLT contributes to building a robust and sustainable food system that benefits both current and future generations.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National