Source: AMERICAN SEED TRADE ASSOCIATION, 7/28/20


As you are likely aware, people across the country have reported receiving suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that appear to be coming from China. So far, reports of unsolicited seeds have been made in the following states (and likely more): Washington, Virginia, Louisiana, Kansas, New York, North Carolina, Utah, Arizona, and Ohio.

At this time, there is no evidence indicating this is something other than a "brushing scam" where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. USDA is collecting seed packages from recipients and will test their contents and determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment. ASTA is coordinating closely with APHIS, which has jurisdiction over seed imports, and State Departments of Agriculture, and is working to get the word out about what to do if people receive unsolicited packages of seed. If you have specific questions, please contact Ric Dunkle at rdunkle@betterseed.org. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will keep you posted as things develop.

Below is ASTA's public statement, which we encourage you to post on your website, social channels, and/or use in response to questions from customers or media.

ASTA Statement
ASTA is coordinating with USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and state departments of agriculture to determine the type and origin of seeds that have illegally entered the U.S. from China. If you receive unsolicited seeds, do not open the package or plant the seeds. Limit your contact with the seed package, and immediately contact your State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director. Seeds of unknown origin may constitute agricultural smuggling, be invasive, introduce pathogens, toxins, or plant and animal diseases, and could pose a threat to plant, animal, and human health. For more information, see the statement from APHIS.