Native American Seeds Protection Act of 2019

the extent to which seeds and foods that mimic Native American seeds or traditional foods are available in the commercial marketplace and are fraudulently identified as authentic Native American seeds or traditional foods, as of the date of enactment of this Act;

the availability and long-term viability of Native American seeds, including an analysis of the storage, cultivation, harvesting, and commercialization of such seeds;

the extent to which Federal law, Federal programs, or Federal oversight protect Native American seeds and traditional foods from infringement, or unlawful or unauthorized commercialization; and

the means by which authentic Native American seeds and traditional foods might be protected to ensure preservation and availability for future generations.

Confidentiality— The Comptroller General of the United States shall ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information of Indian Tribes that is gained through the study conducted under section 2, including traditional cultural knowledge and information about locations that are considered to be sacred by an Indian Tribe.

FOIA not applicable— The information described in subsection (a) shall be exempt from public disclosure under section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the “Freedom of Information Act”).

Indian ownership— Nothing in this Act shall be construed as interfering with, limiting, or otherwise affecting the exclusive ownership and control of Native American seeds by an Indian Tribe unless the Indian Tribe consents to the ownership or control of such seeds by another entity.