U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), along with Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-California) and Norma Torres (D-California), have reintroduced the Native American Seeds Act of 2025. The legislation is designed to support tribal governments in their efforts to protect seeds that are important to their cultural heritage.
“By empowering tribal self-governance and equipping native communities with the tools to preserve traditional agriculture systems and culturally significant seeds, we can help safeguard these deeply rooted practices for generations to come,” said Crapo.
Heinrich added, “I’m proud to lead legislation that will help preserve Tribes’ cultural practices and way of life by protecting Native seeds and traditional foodways for future generations. This effort will grow local economies in Indian Country and help ensure Tribal members remain connected to their culture and heritage.”
LaMalfa emphasized the importance of maintaining access to traditional seeds: “Protecting native heritage starts with making sure seeds that hold traditional importance aren’t lost to disaster or neglect. This legislation gives Tribes the flexibility they need to preserve and grow these plants on their own terms. With wildfires, drought, and other challenges threatening seed stocks nationwide, this bill strengthens farming efforts on reservations and helps maintain a link to traditions that shouldn’t be pushed aside. I’m pleased to join Congresswoman Torres in leading this effort.”
Torres highlighted the broader significance of preserving native seeds: “Traditional seeds hold centuries of knowledge, culture, and resilience. This bill recognizes the fundamental importance of preserving these seeds—not just for food security, but for the cultural, spiritual, and environmental legacy they carry. From ceremonial practices to sustainable agriculture, Native communities have cultivated these seeds with intention and care. The Native American Seeds Act of 2025 will help ensure that future generations can continue these traditions and protect their heritage. I’m proud to partner with Congressman LaMalfa, Senator Heinrich, and Senator Crapo to champion this vital effort.”
Donna Thompson, Chairwoman of the Fort Hall Business Council for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, expressed appreciation for the initiative: “The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes appreciate the efforts of Senator Crapo, Senator Heinrich, Representative Torres, and Representative LaMalfa to introduce this important legislation to assist us in our efforts to preserve seeds for numerous plants, including camas, bitterroot, wild onions, sage, and chokecherry, that hold deep cultural, historical, and ceremonial significance to us. This bill will help the federal government honor its obligations under the Fort Bridger Treaty of 1868 and enable future generations to continue our traditional ways of life.”
The proposed act instructs the U.S. Secretary of the Department of the Interior to collaborate with tribes in identifying Native American seeds as well as supporting tribal seed banks alongside related facilities and agricultural systems rooted in tradition. It also restricts disclosure of sensitive or proprietary tribal information provided during this process.
Tribes across the United States face growing difficulties safeguarding their seed stocks due largely to natural disasters such as wildfire or drought as well as disease outbreaks or contamination events. The bill aims not only at preserving connections between tribes and culturally significant plants but also at improving food security on reservations while supporting physical health outcomes within those communities.
Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), Ben Lujan (D-New Mexico) are original co-sponsors.
