PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has received reports of unsolicited seeds being mailed to South Dakotans, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden said Tuesday.
Officials in at least 27 states are urging residents to report any unsolicited packages of seeds that appear to have been sent from China, warning that they might be invasive or otherwise harmful. These unsolicited seeds may contain invasive species, introduce diseases to native plants or be harmful to livestock.
“We’re not sure the intent behind this activity, but I urge the public to refrain from planting these seeds as invasive species can have devastating effects on South Dakota agriculture,” Lt. Gov Rhoden said.
Anyone receiving unsolicited seeds in the mail should do the following:
*Do not plant the seeds
*Save the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label
*Contact the SDDA at 605-773-5425 or email [email protected] with the following information: Name, phone number, date received and number of packages
The SDDA continues to monitor the situation and work with the United States Department of Agriculture for further guidance.
