Native American Seeds Act of 2024

The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

The term Native American seed means a seed of traditional or cultural significance to an Indian Tribe.

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with Indian Tribes, shall establish a program within the Department of the Interior to—

(1) determine which seeds are Native American seeds; and

(2) support—

(A) efforts of Indian Tribes to protect Native American seeds;

(B) Native American seed banks and related facilities; and

(C) traditional agriculture systems of Indian Tribes that provide for the nurturing and harvesting of Native American seeds.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not disclose or cause to be disclosed any information that is—

(1) provided to the Secretary by an Indian Tribe for the purposes of this Act; and

(2) identified by the Indian Tribe as culturally sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential.