MDA asks public to report receipt of any unsolicited packages of seeds

HELENA - The Montana Department of Agriculture has received multiple reports from Montana residents who have received unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have been shipped from China.

People are urged to contact the department if they receive a package matching this description. Contact the Seed Program at 406-444-3950 or [email protected].

People who receive a package of this type should not open the seed package, or plant the seeds. It is also important that people do not throw the seeds away. The types of seeds sent in these packages have not been identified yet. Other states have also reported having received similar unsolicited packages through the mail. These unsolicited seeds could be invasive, meaning they may have the potential to introduce diseases to local plants, or could be harmful to livestock. Instead, hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label.

MDA is awaiting official guidance from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on how to proceed with safe disposal of the mailed materials. This guidance will be shared on the department website at http://agr.mt.gov/news, as soon as it is available.

The Montana Department of Agriculture's mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, people can visit http://agr.mt.gov .