BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. -- Butte, Shasta, and Glenn county agriculture commissioners are warning residents of "mysterious and unsolicited seed" shipments coming from China.
Recently, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has become aware of a number of reports regarding “mysterious and unsolicited seeds from China and other parts of Asia.”
States are warning people about suspicious packages of seeds that appear to be from China. (CNN photo)
Action News Now checked in with the Butte County Agriculture Department to take a look at these "mystery seeds."
The seed packages - often labeled as jewelry or toys, are being shipped to homeowners throughout America. The CDFA says it's communicating with the United States Department of Agriculture to determine any necessary actions for shipments received in California.
The Department of Agriculture in several North State counties are instructing residents not to open, plant, or dispose of any unsolicited seed packets received, but to contact our office.
“Invasive species can devastate the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects, severely damage crops, and poison livestock. Taking steps to prevent their introduction is the most effective method of reducing both the risk of invasive species infestations and the cost to control and mitigate those infestations and protect our $632 million agricultural industry,” stated Louie Mendoza, Butte County Agricultural Commissioner.
Recipients of these seeds are asked to contact your local agriculture department for arrangements to collect, isolate, and properly store the seed.
#APHIS is working closely with @CBP and State Depts of Ag re: unrequested seeds. If received, pls contact State Dept of Ag https://t.co/g0WhR57Wv3 or the #APHIS State Plant Health Office https://t.co/CdHtWghDbC. Keep packaging and do not plant seeds from an unknown origin! pic.twitter.com/LORKeTh4Tc
— USDA APHIS (@USDA_APHIS) July 27, 2020
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