Mallory: Do Not Open Unsolicited Seeds From China

The following message is from Shannon Mallory, Agriculture Extension Educator, Kay County OSU Extension:

All,

Many of you have likely seen news reports of people receiving seeds from China that they did not order. In fact, over the weekend, ODAFF received reports of Oklahomans receiving seeds in the mail from China. The seeds are sent in packages usually stating that the contents are jewelry. PLEASE be aware that unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock.

If you receive unsolicited seeds from another country:

1. DO NOT plant them and if they are in sealed packaging don’t open the sealed package.
2. This is known as agricultural smuggling. Report it to USDA and maintain the seeds and packaging until USDA instructs you what to do with the packages and seeds. They may be needed as evidence. The USDA Antismuggling Hotline is 800-877-3835 and their email is [email protected]. USDA will make every attempt to protect the confidentiality of any information sources during an investigation within the extent of the law.
3. For Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture’s records, please send us an email explaining your location and any additional information about the package to [email protected] and [email protected].
4. For additional information, contact ODAFF by calling Kaci Hubbell at 405-522-5971 or Joe Rackley at 405-205-2709.

Please share this information widely. Also note that this situation is evolving and information could change. I will update you if it does.

Thank you,

Shannon Mallory

Agriculture Extension Educator

Kay County OSU Extension