Texas Officials Issue Update & Alert On Strange Seed Packages in The Mail

🌱More reports of people receiving mystery seeds in the mail from China

🌱What to do if you receive seed packets from China

🌱Why is it important to report these seeds and not plant them?

Alright, this is starting to get a little creepy. A couple of weeks there was a report of two people receiving these mystery seed packets in the mail and now it looks like more are being reported.

More Reports of Mystery Seed Packages in Mail Being Reports in More States

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller gave an update this week on these seed packages coming randomly in people's mail. They are coming unsolicited from Chinese vendors. In Texas, 17 people have reported they received these mystery seed packets. Now people in other states are reporting that they are receiving them too in Florida and Washington State.

Commissioner Miller said he is working with the USDA, the Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies to collect the seed packets and get them inspected at the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for inspection.

The commissioner said a thank you to the people who are reporting this as the agencies involved all try to protect our agriculture and natural resources. Agencies and organizations included in this are USDA, APHIS, the White House, and the Department of Homeland Security. This is a serious situation.

Why All The Commotion About Randomly Mailed Seeds From China?

Why could all this be dangerous? They are just seeds, right? Wrong! We have no idea what type of seeds these are and what type of plant they will produce. The fear is the seeds could produce an invasive plant that could ruin our plants and crops. Can you imagine? What if you innocently plant these and they end up taking over a crop of corn or wheat and killing it? That is a scary thought and no one wants to take that chance.

If you receive seeds in the mail that you did not order...Do Not Open them and report it ASAP.

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What Will They Do With The Mystery Seeds?

The seeds will be destroyed with a steam sterilization process, but don't worry you will not be charged so please report the seeds if you receive them. Right now U.S. Customs is trying to find out where and who these seeds are coming from exactly.

What Do I Do If I Receive a Package of Mystery Seeds?

Do not open it. Keep it sealed in its package and call and call the Texas Department of Agriculture at (800) TELL-TDA immediately. (800) 835-5832.