Dakota Farmer

Do not plant unsolicited seeds sent from China

State officials in North and South Dakota have issued warnings on handling unsolicited seeds from China.

August 3, 2020

2 Min Read
A manila colored package shipped from China with a bag of seeds next to it on a counter top
BAD SEEDS: North and South Dakotans are receiving unsolicited packages shipped from China containing seed. State officials have sent out warnings and advice to producers about the dangers such mystery seeds could pose. Courtesy of NDDA

North Dakota and South Dakota state officials have issued warnings and advice about handling the unsolicited seed packages people are receiving from China.

“We’re not sure why these seeds are being sent or what the motives are behind this,” says Doug Goehring, North Dakota agriculture commissioner. “Unsolicited seeds may be invasive and introduce diseases harmful to plants or livestock.”

“Individuals who receive unsolicited seeds should be concerned,” says Jason Goltz, North Dakota State Seed Department regulatory manager. “The introduction of a noxious weed or new disease can have devastating effects on agriculture and our food supply.”

Anyone receiving unsolicited seeds in the mail should do the following:

  1. Retain the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label

  2. Do not plant the seeds

  3. Contact the NDDA at 701-328-2391 or email your name, phone number, and number of packages and dates received to [email protected] to report the incident

  4. Wait for further instructions

NDDA and the North Dakota State Seed Department will work with USDA to identify and destroy the seeds.

South Dakota’s seed response

“We’re not sure the intent behind this activity, but I urge the public to refrain from planting these seeds as invasive species can have devastating effects on South Dakota agriculture,” says Larry Rhoden, South Dakota lieutenant governor.

He says any South Dakota farmers receiving unsolicited seeds in the mail should do the following:

  1. Do not plant the seeds

  2. Save the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label

  3. Contact SDDA at 605-773-5425 or email [email protected] with the following information: name, phone number, date received, number of packages

SDDA is monitoring the situation and working with USDA to provide further guidance, he says.

Sources: NDDA and SDDA, which are solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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