This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations within one year of enactment. The primary goal is to identify seeds of traditional or cultural significance to tribes, defined as Native American seeds , and to support their protection. The Secretary's support will encompass various initiatives, including tribal efforts to protect these seeds, the establishment and maintenance of Native American seed banks and related facilities, and the preservation of traditional agriculture systems vital for nurturing and harvesting these seeds. Crucially, the Act mandates the protection of information , prohibiting the disclosure of any data provided by an Indian Tribe that is identified as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or confidential. While the bill does not authorize additional funds, all activities are subject to the availability of existing appropriations, and courts are instructed to defer to the Secretary's reasonable interpretation of ambiguous provisions.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Native Americans
Native American Seeds Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-6415| House
| Updated: 12/3/2025
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations within one year of enactment. The primary goal is to identify seeds of traditional or cultural significance to tribes, defined as Native American seeds , and to support their protection. The Secretary's support will encompass various initiatives, including tribal efforts to protect these seeds, the establishment and maintenance of Native American seed banks and related facilities, and the preservation of traditional agriculture systems vital for nurturing and harvesting these seeds. Crucially, the Act mandates the protection of information , prohibiting the disclosure of any data provided by an Indian Tribe that is identified as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or confidential. While the bill does not authorize additional funds, all activities are subject to the availability of existing appropriations, and courts are instructed to defer to the Secretary's reasonable interpretation of ambiguous provisions.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.