Got seeds you didn't order? Don't open them
The Ohio Department of Agriculture is asking Ohio residents to be on the watch for seed packets that you didn't order.
Several people in the state have reported receiving unsolicited seed packages in the mail that appear to have originated from China.
The types of seeds in the packages are unknown and may contain invasive plant species that could be harmful. Similar seed packets have been received recently in other locations across the United States.
If you receive a package of this type, do not plant these seeds. If the seeds are in sealed in packaging, do not open.
You are asked to report the seeds to ODA online here or you may contact the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Anti-smuggling hotline by calling 800-877-3835 or by emailing SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov. Also, if possible, please retain the original packaging, as that information may be useful to trade compliance officers as they work through this issue.
The unsolicited seeds could be invasive species, contain noxious weeds, could introduce diseases to local plants, or could be harmful to livestock. Invasive species and noxious weeds can displace native plants and increase costs of food production.
