SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The U.S. Agriculture Department's Council for Native American Farming and Ranching is holding its first meeting this week.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack set up the council to advise him on ways to eliminate barriers to participation in USDA programs for Native American farmers and ranchers. It was appointed as part of the Keepseagle settlement, and the group will meet at least twice a year for the next five years.
The meetings at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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