Pechanga farms - a community-driven initiative to develop a small-scale, sustainably managed farming project on the pechanga indian reservation to provide nutrient-dense produce to the pechanga…

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Native Americans awarded $1.779318 million to the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians on September 30, 2025, under the Native American Programs grant program (CFDA 93.612) to establish Pechanga Farms, a community-driven agricultural initiative on the Pechanga Indian Reservation in Temecula, California.

The project will develop and operate a small-scale farm using regenerative farming techniques to grow high-quality, seasonal produce including historically significant native plants. Annual production targets reach at least 3,000 pounds of produce, with 60 percent prioritized for tribal elders (Silver Feathers program) and students at Chammakilawish Pechanga School. Additional distribution will occur through a seasonal farm stand and potential supply agreements with tribal enterprises including the Pechanga Resort & Casino and Temecula Creek Inn.

The initiative encompasses three core objectives: developing irrigation and soil preparation infrastructure, training two tribal interns, and creating a three-year crop plan; implementing production and distribution systems; and operating an educational hub. Over the three-year performance period (through September 30, 2028), the farm will host nine workshops and six community events reaching 150 participants and create new job and training opportunities for tribal members. Bilingual signage in English and Cham'teela will support community learning about viable agriculture and historical practices.

The project strengthens food self-reliance, promotes community wellness, and enhances economic self-sufficiency for Pechanga Band members.

Pechanga farms - a community-driven initiative to develop a small-scale, sustainably managed farming project on the pechanga indian reservation to provide nutrient-dense produce to the pechanga band. - the pechanga band of indians proposes pechanga farms, a community-led agricultural initiative to establish a small-scale, viable farm on the pechanga indian reservation in temecula, california. The project will use regenerative farming techniques to grow high-quality, seasonal produce, including historically significant native plants. This project seeks to strengthen food self-reliance, promote community wellness, and enhance economic self-sufficiency for members of the pechanga tribe. The farm will prioritize fresh food access for tribal elders (silver feathers) and students at the chámmakilawish pechanga school, with additional distribution through a seasonal farm stand and potential supply agreements with tribal enterprises such as the pechanga resort & casino and temecula creek INN. In addition to food production, the farm will serve as an educational hub, offering interactive workshops, demonstration beds, and bilingual (english and cham'teela) signage to encourage community learning about viable agriculture and historical practices. The project has three core objectives: 1. Infrastructure and crop planning - develop irrigation, soil preparation, and planting strategies; train two tribal interns; and create a three-year crop plan. 2. Implementation and distribution - grow and distribute at least 3,000 pounds of produce annually, with 60% prioritized for elders and youth. 3. Education and engagement - host nine workshops and six community events over three years, reaching 150 participants and creating new job and training opportunities. Rooted in community priorities and supported by tribal leadership, pechanga farms represents a long-term investment in health, historical revitalization, and environmental stewardship. The project exemplifies how pechanga knowledge and modern agricultural practices can be integrated to build resilient, self-sustaining native food systems