March 18, 2025

Dear USET/USET SPF Family,

Today is National Ag Day, a day to celebrate all that the agricultural industry provides and to honor the people who contribute to this essential work – farmers, ranchers, researchers, and many more. The agriculture industry provides nearly everything we eat, use or wear on a daily basis. The agriculture industry plays a key role in maintaining a strong economy, contributing approximately $1.264 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product in 2021 (USDA, 2024).

In celebration of this impact, the Office of Economic Development and Office of Environmental Resource Management interviewed two women-led agricultural businesses in the USET region. Communities should support agriculture businesses as they are essential to national rebuilding and advancement, driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainability. By investing in local agriculture, we ensure a resilient and self-sufficient future that benefits both our communities and our broader economy. To read how Native women are leading this charge, read the article "Roots of Resilience: Celebrating Native Women in Agriculture."

To learn more about USET programmatic offices and support services, visit www.usetinc.org.

SHINNECOCK KELP FARMERS

ASHAWAUG FARM

Established in 1969, the United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET) is a non-profit, inter-Tribal organization serving thirty-three (33) federally recognized Tribal Nations from the Northeastern Woodlands to the Everglades and across the Gulf of Mexico. USET is dedicated to enhancing the development of Tribal Nations, improving the capabilities of Tribal governments, and improving the quality of life for Indian people through a variety of technical and supportive programmatic services.