State ag department: Don’t plant unsolicited seed packages
The Michigan agriculture department has a message for people who receive unsolicited packages of seeds in the mail from another country: Don’t plant them, and don’t throw them away.
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, people across the state are once again receiving packages of seeds from China that they didn’t order.
Similar cases were reported in 2020, prompting the U.S. Department of Agriculture and MDARD to warn residents receiving the packages.
Mike Philip, director of MDARD’s pesticide and plant pest management division, warned against opening the packages, saying they contain a large variety of seeds.
“If you receive unsolicited seeds from another country, do not open the packaging or plant the seeds,” said Philip. “USDA testing of these packages has identified hundreds of varieties of seeds, ranging from noxious weeds, to cannabis, to a wide array of vegetable and flower seeds.”
He added it could have negative impacts on the environment.
“These unknown seeds could be invasive, introduce disease to local plants, or be harmful to livestock. If planted, these unknown and potentially invasive species could have a very negative impact on the environment. Additionally, we’re asking people not to throw the seeds or packages away or dispose of them,” said Philip.
“MDARD appreciates the cooperation of Michiganders who receive these packages as we work together to protect Michigan agriculture.”
Most people receiving the seeds said they didn’t order anything, and the package was often labeled as jewelry. Others reported ordering seeds from Amazon and receiving these seeds instead, according to a news release from MDARD.
Packaging varies from letters to parcels in various colors. They may be a part of a “brushing” scam, where a vendor sends a cheap item to a random person and later submits positive reviews about the product on behalf of the individual without their knowledge. It is often intended to increase visibility and ratings.
Those who receive an unsolicited seed package from China are encouraged to hold on to the seeds, packaging and mailing label, and contact the MDARD Customer Service Center. They can be reached between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 800-292-3939 or via email at MDA-Info@michigan.gov.