Heinrich Introduces Native American Seeds Act

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Native American Seeds Act of 2025, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will assist Tribal governments working to protect seeds that are culturally significant to their communities. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) is a cosponsor of the bill.

"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."

"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 Native American Seeds Act of 2025 will provide flexibility so that the U.S. Department of the Interior can support the efforts of Tribes to develop seed banks and engage in traditional forms of farming. Factors such as wildfires, droughts, insect and 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 economic opportunity on Tribal lands.

Heinrich co-led the Native American Seeds Act alongside U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-Calif.) and Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.). Alongside Luján, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and James Risch (R-Idaho).

The full text of the bill is here.

A one-page summary of the bill is here.

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