HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – The Montana Department of Agriculture has received multiple reports from Montanans that have received unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have been shipped from China.
If you receive a package of this type, please do not open the seed package or plant the seeds.
Do not throw the seeds away, as the type of seed in the packages has not been identified. Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label.
Other states are also reporting similar unsolicited packages through the mail.
These unsolicited seeds could be invasive, meaning they may have the potential to introduce diseases to local plants or could be harmful to livestock.
MDA is awaiting official guidance from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on how to proceed with safe disposal of the mailed materials. This guidance will be shared on the department website at agr.mt.gov/news as soon as it is available.
If you receive an unsolicited package of seeds, please call 444-3950 or email bballensky@mt.gov.
