FARMS and Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT) Partner to Advance BisonRematriation and Agricultural Innovation

FARGO,ND-December 20, 2024- The North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine (FARMS) and the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT) have officially entered into a ground breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on advancing bison Rematriation, agriculture innovation, and food security across Tribal Nations. This partnership underscores the mutual commitment to leverage Indigenous knowledge, AgTech innovation, and strategic leadership to restore ecosystems, strengthen rural economies, and revitalize cultural heritage.

FARMS, in collaboration with its core partners: North Dakota Tribal System, Grand Farm, FMWF Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, and North Dakota State University, works to accelerate innovation solving food insecurity through AgTech and cross-cultural collaboration. COLT represents more than 50 tribes with reservations encompassing over 95% of Indian lands in the United States, with a focus on advancing policies and partnerships that benefit Tribal communities.

The collaboration will focus on:

• Promoting bison Rematriation efforts, integrating conservation and Indigenous land stewardship practices.

• Supporting Tribal ranchers, nations and organizations in co-creating innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and economic development.

• Developing education opportunities, workforce pathways, and AgTech innovations that intersect with tribal ecological knowledge to address food security.

• Creating a co-management toolkit to guide bison stewardship strategies, incorporating ecological, economic, and cultural best practices.

“FARMS is honored to partner with COLT to merge traditional Indigenous practices with advanced agricultural technologies,” Dr. Hollie Mackey, CEO of FARMS. “his partnership highlights the importance of co-stewardship and community-driven solutions that foster resilience, economic opportunity, and environmental harmony for generations to come.”

“COLT brings a strategic vision to the table for large land-based Tribal Nations to reclaim their cultural and economic sovereignty through initiatives like bison rematriation,” stated Oliver J. Semans, Sr., Executive Director of COLT. “This collaboration aligns resources and expertise to create lasting benefits for our people, land, and future.”

About FARMS

The North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine (FARMS) is one of the inaugural NSF Engines, driving AgTech innovation to address food security and foster rural economic resilience through cross-sector and cross-cultural collaboration.

About COLT

The Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT) is a Section 17 intertribal corporation that represents large land-based Tribal Nations across the United States, advancing policies and partnerships to support tribal sovereignty, conservation, and rural economic development.

About National Science Foundation

This collaboration is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its commitment to advancing innovation ecosystems that address critical societal challenges, including food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and equitable economic development across Tribal and rural communities.

For Media Inquiries or More Information Contact:

Gretchen Dobervich   [email protected]   701.361.5627