The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has received reports of individuals receiving unsolicited seeds through the mail from China. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock. Sometimes the seeds are sent in packages stating that the contents are jewelry.
Here’s what to do if you receive unsolicited seeds from another country:
* DO NOT plant the seeds and if they are in sealed packaging do not open the sealed package.
* Take a photo of the package and seeds and send the photos to USDA Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance at Mail@aphis.usda.gov.
* Maintain the seeds and packaging and send to the USDA Office.
Please see links below for more information and what to do if you receive a package.
https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/press/2020/approved/press200729.html
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2020/sa-07/seeds-china
(Photo: NJDOA)