The American Seed Trade Association issued the following statement on Aug. 4 regarding the suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that people across the U.S., and in several other countries have received.
“You’ve likely seen the news that people across the U.S., and in several other countries around the world, have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that appear to be coming from China. There have also been reports of seeds coming from other countries. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is coordinating with USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and state departments of agriculture to determine the type and origin of the seeds.
If you receive unsolicited seeds, do not open the package or plant the seeds. Limit your contact with the seed package, and immediately contact your State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director.
It’s always important to buy your seeds from a reputable source. Seeds of unknown origin may constitute agricultural smuggling, be invasive, introduce pathogens, toxins, or plant and animal diseases, and could pose a threat to plant, animal, and human health.
Watch this video from ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne to learn more.
For the latest information, visit the APHIS website.
