From Left to Right: Natasha John, NAPI’s Lionel Haskie, and Paul Moorehead.
On July 16, Powers attorneys Natasha John and Paul Moorehead, in partnership with the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI) and the Navajo Nation Washington Office, hosted “From Water Infrastructure to Food Security: The Case for Sustained NIIP Funding” at the U.S. Capitol.
The hour-long briefing brought together House and Senate staff to explore the critical role of sustained federal investment in the operation and maintenance of the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP). The event also featured a Q&A with Lionel Haskie, NAPI’s Director of Operations, 638 Programs, and Government Relations, who discussed how continued congressional support helps sustain agricultural production, strengthen food security, expand economic opportunity, and maintain critical water infrastructure across the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities.
Before and after the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to explore six interactive educational exhibits highlighting the diverse crops made possible through the NIIP, as well as the infrastructure, technology, and equipment essential to operating and maintaining one of the nation’s largest irrigation projects. Guests also received curated gift bags featuring a variety of products produced by NAPI, providing a tangible connection to the project’s impact on food production and the regional economy.
About the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI)
The Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI) is an enterprise of the Navajo Nation and one of the largest irrigated farms in the United States, spanning more than 110,000 acres in the heart of the Southwest. Through its Navajo Pride™ brand, NAPI produces high-quality agricultural products, including alfalfa, No. 2 corn, winter wheat, table potatoes, and pinto beans.
To learn more about NAPI and its mission, visit https://napi.navajopride.com/.