Several Oklahomans report receiving unsolicited seeds from foreign countries, said the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.
ODAFF said the seeds are sent in a package from China stating the contents are jewelry.
Though the seeds don't appear harmful, there is a hidden threat that could seriously threaten the agriculture and natural resources in the United States. ODAFF said the seeds could potentially introduce diseases to plants, harm livestock and could be invasive.
"This act is known as agriculture smuggling," said ODAFF.
HERE is what to do if you receive a package of seeds you did not order:
A. IF THE PACKAGE HAS BEEN OPENED
1. Place all of the contents of the package, including the seeds and the originally packaging material in a Ziplock bag. Please write your name and city on the outside of the Ziplock bag.
2. Send an email to morgan.vance@ag.ok.gov and Kenny.naylor@ag.ok.gov stating your location and that you have received a package.
B. IF THE SEEDS HAVE BEEN PLANTED
1. Dig up the seeds or the sprout, knock off any excess soil, double bag the contents and place in a box or mailer. Please write your name and city on the Ziplock bag.
C. TO DISPOSE OF THE SEEDS:
Choose from one of these three options
1. Please mail the seeds to
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
C/O Agriculture Smuggling Seeds
2800 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
2. Drop off the seeds in person at the front desk of ODAFF:
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
2800 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
3. Drop off the seeds and the original packaging in the Ziplock bag at your local County Extension Office
The list of offices, complete with addresses and phone numbers, can be found here.
Please call your extension office before dropping off to make an appointment.
For additional information, contact Kaci Hubbell at 405-522-5971, or Joe Rackley at 405-205-2709, with ODAFF.
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