HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) would like to remind growers across the state about the importance of buying and planting seeds from licensed seed dealers to protect against invasive species and plant diseases.
The MDA says that last year, residents in all 50 states received unsolicited “mystery seeds” through the mail that originated
in China. This led to federal and state agencies urging recipients not to plant them, and to contact their
state regulatory officials to submit them for testing or dispose of them instead.
Close to 150 seed packages were received in Montana and sent to the USDA for testing. A mix of ornamental, fruit and vegetable, herb and weed species were discovered and
fortunately determined not to be severely hazardous.
Whether it be as part of a brushing scam or otherwise, planting unknown or unsolicited seeds can
introduce harmful pests and/or diseases.
To ensure your seeds are safe, check to confirm the seed species information is printed on the seed package and do not plant any seeds of unknown species or origin,.
To verify seed suppliers are licensed in Montana, visit mtplants.mt.gov or call MDA at 444-3144.
The MDA Seed Program ensures that seeds offered for sale in Montana are truthfully labeled for identity, purity, and viability.
Information courtesy of the Montana Department of Agriculture
