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USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is aware that people across the country have received unsolicited packages of seed from China in recent days. APHIS is working with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and State departments of agriculture to prevent the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protect U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds.

Anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds from China should report the receipt of seeds online through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at www.ncagr.gov. Click on “Consumers can report the receipt of unsolicited seed from China using this online form” or by calling North Carolina Department of Agriculture at 1-800-206-9333.

Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your state department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins.

The seeds may be dropped off in original packaging at the local N.C. Cooperative Extension office, 26032-Newt Road, Albemarle, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For additional questions, contact 704-983-3987.