USDA URGES REPORTING UNSOLICITED SEED PACKAGES

  

Multiple reports have been made in the last several weeks of unsolicited seed packages being received by people across the United States, including Texas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is urging anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to mail those seeds to a USDA-APHIS location near them.

Securing the contents of the package is the number one priority at this time.  Not knowing the true contents of these packages could potentially the agriculture industry up to noxious weeds or invasive plants, which would have a significant negative impact on the industry.

• Place the unopened seed packet and any packaging, including the mailing label, in a mailing envelope. If the seed packets are open, first place the seeds and their packaging into a zip-lock bag, seal it, and then place everything into a mailing envelope.
• Please include your name, address, and phone number so that a State or Federal agriculture official can contact you for additional information, if needed.

If you are unable to mail the package to one of the locations below, please contact your APHIS State plant health director to arrange a no-contact pick up or to determine a convenient drop-off location.

Texas Locations Closest to Washington County Include:

USDA-APHIS-PPQ
Houston PIS
Attn: Alejandro Gammon Officer in Charge
19581 Lee Road ?
Humble, TX, 77338

USDA-APHIS-PPQ
Dallas Ft Worth Work Unit 75261
Attn: Janet Ussery, Officer in Charge
P.O. Box 610063.
Dallas, Texas 75261

While these mass mailing of unsolicited seed packages might be a blushing scam it is important that we take precautions and ensure a report is filed with USDA and the seeds are submitted to USDA-APHIS as requested for evaluation.  If you have any questions or would like assistance completing the submission process please contact the Washington County Extension Office at (979) 277-6212.