Ag commissioner warns Texans about Chinese mystery seeds
The United States dealt with mystery seeds from China during the first Trump Administration, but it seems the puzzling seed packages are back for his second. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller put out a press release this week in reference to unsolicited packages from China containing unknown seeds or liquids.
The Texas Department of Agriculture was informed of a package from an unknown sender that was recently delivered to a resident in Clute, Texas. The delivery contained unidentified seeds and a liquid container and it was sent from China.
“Folks, please take this matter seriously,” Miller said. “Receiving any unsolicited liquid or chemical at your doorstep poses a significant risk to the health of you and your family. We also cannot allow unidentified seeds to enter Texas. If planted, invasive plant species will substantially harm the Texas agriculture industry. The TDA will work diligently to identify these unknown seeds and liquids to protect Texas residents.”
The package received in Clute was sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for identification. Results are unknown at this time.
The TDA recommends not opening foreign seed packages. Instead, keep the package sealed and contact the TDA at (800) TELL-TDA.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
