Reps. Torres, LaMalfa & Sens. Heinrich, Crapo reintroduce the Bipartisan, Bicameral Native American Seeds Act

Reps. Torres, LaMalfa & Sens. Heinrich, Crapo reintroduce the Bipartisan, Bicameral Native American Seeds Act

Safeguarding Tribal Agriculture and Heritage

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), along with Senators Martin Heinrich (NM) and Mike Crapo (ID), reintroduced the Native American Seeds Act of 2025, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would assist Tribal governments working to protect seeds that are culturally significant to their communities.

"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."

"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."

"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 Senator Heinrich. "This effort will grow local economies in Indian Country and help ensure Tribal members remain connected to their culture and 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 Senator Crapo.

"The Pueblo of Tesuque thanks Representatives Torres and LaMalfa and Senators Heinrich and Crapo for introducing the Native American Seeds Act of 2025. This legislation would assist us in our efforts to protect and preserve our traditional seeds and our agricultural systems that have nourished us physically, culturally, and spiritually since time immemorial. The Tesuque people have always had an unbroken relationship with plants for food and medicine, allowing our community and our culture to survive; and, this bill will help us foster our deep connections to these plants." said Governor Earl Samuel, Pueblo of Tesuque.

"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 would provide flexibility so that the Department of the Interior can support the efforts of Tribes to develop seed banks and engage in traditional forms of farming. Across the country, factors such as wildfires, droughts, insect/disease outbreaks, 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.

Original cosponsors: Senator Gallego (AZ) ,Senator Lujan (NM), and Senator Risch (ID)

Full bill text

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