By Ashley Hunter
Riverbend News
Around the United States, a unique threat has been popping up in various states. Starting in July, Agricultural officials in the 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 from China.
As of Monday, Aug. 31, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has collected 8,507 packages from 50 states. So far, 2,410 of those packages have been examined and a total of 321 different species of seeds have been identified. Some of these packages are being delivered to residents in Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette counties. Suwannee County has experienced one case with a package being delivered to a resident in McAlphin according to the Suwannee County Extension Office. According to the Hamilton County Extension Office, six cases have been reported in Hamilton County. The Lafayettee County Extension Office noted that three cases have been reported in their county.
There are no identifying labels on the seeds that specifies what sort of plants they belong to. Some packages even come with an instructional letter (written in English) that explains how to care for the seeds. The instructions encourage 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 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 also 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.
What to do if you receive a package of seeds from China:
• Do not open, plant or discard the seeds, and if they are in sealed packaging, don't open the sealed package.
• Report the seed package to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Anti-Smuggling Hotline at 1 (800) 877-3835 or SITC.Mail@aphis.usda. gov.
• Report the seed package to the FDACS - Division of Plant Industry at 1 (888) 397-1517 or DPIhelpline@FDACS.gov.