Ashley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Around the United States, a unique threat has been popping up in various states. Starting last weekend, Agricultural officials in various states began issuing warnings about unsolicited shipments of seeds that were being sent to Americans. All of the packages of seeds seem to have originated China.
By Monday, July 28, it is estimated that at least 160 Floridians had received these seed packages – including a Jefferson County resident. The Jefferson County Extension Office announced that a county resident had recently received Chinese seeds in the mail. These seeds were sealed in a package from Shanghai, China.
There was no identifying label on the small, black seeds that specified what sort of plant they belonged to, and the only item included with the plastic parcel of seeds was an instructional letter (written in English) that explained how to care for the seeds. The instructions encouraged the receiver to plant the seeds in nutrient-rich soul and fertilize the plant.
As these packages of seeds continue to pop up around the United States, the Florida Department of Agriculture is requesting that anyone who receives such a package to not open the seed parcel. Do not plant the seeds or throw them in the trash – instead, the seeds should be reported to the department as well as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Seeds of unknown origin may be invasive or can introduce diseases that will impact native plants and animals. The department also warns that these plants may present the risk of introducing toxins or pathogens into the environment. As there is very little information on where the seeds are coming from or the purpose of the seeds, extreme caution is advised.
The USDA is reportedly working with the United States Department of Homeland Security to stop any further seeds from entering the country.
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