The Navajo Nation Departments of Agriculture and Fish and Wildlife are developing a comprehensive Agriculture Resource Management Plan (ARMP) to address current agricultural challenges, identify opportunities for growth, and establish strategies for preserving traditional farming practices while incorporating modern sustainable techniques.

Agriculture has been an essential component of Diné culture for centuries, with traditional crops including corn, beans, squash, and other indigenous varieties alongside livestock enterprises. Today, Navajo agricultural producers face challenges including water scarcity, climate change impacts, barriers to market, and the need to balance traditional practices with economic sustainability.

The Navajo Nation encompasses approximately 27,000 square miles across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, with diverse agricultural landscapes ranging from high desert rangelands to valleys—some supported by irrigation systems, others dependent solely on seasonal precipitation.

The completion of the ARMP also requires preparation and approval of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This Public Involvement Plan describes the methods that will be used to educate the community about the planning process and to solicit meaningful input from tribal members, agricultural producers, and other stakeholders.

• Sustainable agricultural development and food sovereignty
• Water resource management and irrigation systems
• Rangeland management and livestock operations
• Integration of traditional knowledge with modern practices
• Climate change adaption for agricultural producers
• Market access and economic sustainability
• Youth engagement in agricultural careers
• Environmental stewardship and conservation