Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Native American Seeds Act of 2024 directs the Department of the Interior to establish a program within one year to help Indian Tribes protect seeds that hold traditional or cultural significance to their communities. The program will work with tribes to identify Native American seeds, support tribal seed banks and related facilities, and preserve traditional agricultural systems used for cultivating and harvesting these seeds. The legislation also includes strong confidentiality protections, requiring the federal government to keep any culturally sensitive or proprietary information provided by tribes confidential and not disclose it without permission. The bill authorizes whatever funding is necessary to carry out the program but does not specify an exact dollar amount. This legislation affects federally recognized Indian Tribes and aims to preserve their agricultural heritage and food sovereignty.
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