Crapo, Heinrich, LaMalfa, Torres Reintroduce the Native American Seeds Act

Washington, D.C.--Today, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), along with U.S. Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-California) and Norma Torres (D-California), reintroduced the Native American Seeds Act of 2025. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would assist tribal governments working to protect seeds that are culturally significant to their communities.

“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.

“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,” said Heinrich. “This effort will grow local economies in Indian Country and help ensure Tribal members remain connected to their culture and heritage.”

“Protecting native heritage starts with making sure seeds that hold traditional importance aren’t lost to disaster or neglect,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “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.”

“Traditional seeds hold centuries of knowledge, culture, and resilience,” said Congresswoman Torres. “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.”

"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,” said Donna Thompson, Chairwoman, Fort Hall Business Council, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

The Native American Seeds Act of 2025 directs the U.S. Secretary of the Department of the Interior to work with Tribes to identify Native American seeds and to support tribal seed banks, related facilities and traditional agricultural systems. Additionally, the legislation prohibits the disclosure of culturally sensitive or proprietary tribal information provided to the Department.

Across the country, factors such as wildfire, drought, insect/disease outbreak, inclement weather and contamination have increased the challenges that Tribes face in preserving their seeds. This bill will help ensure that tribal connections to plants holding traditional importance will continue for future generations while also strengthening food security, improving physical and mental health outcomes and expanding opportunity and participation on reservations.

Read full text of the bill HERE.

Original co-sponsors: Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) and Senator Ben Lujan (D-New Mexico)

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