The USDA Is Investigating Packages of Unsolicited Seeds

Remember a few years back one of the cereal companies was handing out free seeds to gets the bees buzzing around and pollinating? Well, this is not it.

Random packages of seeds that appear to be from China and other countries have been appearing in mailboxes across the country. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and numerous agricultural agencies across the nation are warning people not to plant what could be an invasive species.

The state Department of Agricultural Resources has been notified that several Massachusetts residents have received these unsolicited packages that appear to have originated in a foreign country and contain seeds.

While the exact types of seeds in the packages are unknown, the seeds are thought to be invasive plant species, and not believed to be harmful to humans or pets but could pose a significant risk to agriculture or the environment.

MDAR encourages residents who receive or have received an unsolicited package of seeds to not plant the seeds and immediately complete a form on MDAR's website just click on the MDAR's Website link to provide important information to state plant regulatory officials.

Residents who receive a package should hold on to the seeds and all packaging, including the mailing label.

A representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or MDAR will be in contact with instructions regarding the collection or disposal of the seeds.