On October 30, 1995, Chief Martin and the Choctaw Tribal Council by way of resolution moved to establish the Choctaw Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Once established, Agriculture and Rural Development has strived to foster independence and Self-Determination in and for all Choctaw people. This is accomplished by utilizing existing tribal programs, department programs and incorporating USDA programs to maximize usage of all available resources. The following is a description of programs and cooperating agencies with in our department.

• (601) 656-2070; 656-9599; 656-9679; Fax: 601-650-1992
• P.O. Box 6010, Choctaw Branch, Black Jack Rd.
• Philadelphia, MS 38350

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

The program has fresh vegetables available for purchase by the general public. In addition, fresh produce is allotted to individuals 58 years of age or older, certified WIC participants and disabled persons 20 years of age and older. WIC and Nutrition staff, along with department staff, schedule and implement nutrition programs that include healthful recipes, cooking techniques and food samples. Read more about the WIC program in the health division of this web site.

4-H Youth Development Program

Offers opportunities to develop skills and interests through participation in learn-by-doing projects. 4-H helps youth acquire knowledge to enable them to develop such life skills as: communication, decision making, leadership, interpersonal relations, community awareness and global understanding.

Homemaker's Club

Provides services for adults in the reservation communities. Participation instills knowledge to enable adults to develop life skills such as: decision making, interpersonal relations, community awareness, home environment awareness, craft skills, food safety and preservation and child care.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (Mississippi Choctaw Field Office)

To provide and encourage conservation of Tribal natural resources. The office provides technical assistance along with limited USDA cost-share funding. Examples of program areas are: information and education, survey and design work for small ponds, planning advice for wetlands and wildlife habitat areas, erosion control, back yard wildlife, nature trail design and native plant restoration (Swamp Cane Project).

Nature Trail—Chahta Hi'na Osi

This nature trail is located near the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and focuses on conservation and environmental education. Information on many types of trees and plants is provided in both Choctaw and English. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, in partnership with other Tribal and governmental agricultural departments, is providing information on wetlands and technical assistance with this project. The nature trail provides a local demonstration area with focus on environmental conservation, restoring or creating wetlands, restoring habitats for deer, turkey, rabbit, black bear and other wetland wildlife and the study of declining native plant populations.

Mississippi State University Extension Service

The Mississippi State University Extension Service provides educational programs focused on issues and needs in the following areas:

• Landscape
• Horticulture
• Turf Grasses
• Forestry
• Wildlife Enhancement
• Youth Development

The Extension Agent makes visits to the home or businesses to determine problems related to program areas or to take soil samples or plant tissue samples for testing. The Extension Indian Reservation Program is located in the Pearl River Community but serves all Tribal communities.