Over the past few weeks, at least 187 Texans received unsolicited packages of mystery seeds in the mail that appeared to have come from China. Meanwhile, all 50 states have issued warnings about similar bundles of unknown seeds being sent to residents from overseas, causing concern among government officials and agricultural leaders.
Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said several of the seeds that have been sent to Texas were determined to be agricultural and gardening seeds, as well as some weeds. The most pressing concern is that some of the seeds could be noxious weeds or other invasive species that could hurt Texas’ agricultural system, he said.
“I am urging folks to take this matter seriously,” Miller said in a statement. “An invasive plant species might not sound threatening, but these small invaders could destroy Texas agriculture. TDA has been working closely with USDA to analyze these unknown seeds so we can protect Texas residents.”
Miller said that anyone who receives the seeds should leave them in their packaging and contact TDA immediately. They shouldn’t be thrown away, he said, because then they could grow in the landfi ll. U.S. Department of Agriculture staff members are picking up every package reported for inspection.
Intentionally keeping or planting the seeds would be illegal, Miller said, because they are an illegal product.
“These are highly illegal. Don’t plant them. Don’t mess around with them,” Miller said. “Treat them like they’re radioactive or like Kryptonite.”
It’s illegal to send seeds to the U.S. from overseas without proper permits, and many of the packages were mislabeled as containing jewelry, Miller said.
