OHIO — If you received a package of seeds in the mail that you did not request, the Ohio Department of Agriculture warns you to not plant them, as the seeds could contain invasive species.
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ODA officials issued the warning Monday after receiving notifications from several Ohioans about receiving packages containing seeds. Officials said the seeds and packages appear to have originated from China.
“The types of seeds in the packages are currently unknown and may contain invasive plant species” and ODA spokesperson said in a media release. “Similar seed packets have been received recently in several other locations across the United States.”
Planting of the seeds could introduce invasive species to the area, introduce diseases to local plants, could be harmful to livestock, or contain noxious weeds.
“Invasive species and noxious weeds can displace native plants and increase costs of food production,” the spokesperson said.
If you were the recipient of an unsolicited package that contained seeds, you’re urged to contact the ODA online. You can also contact the United States Department of Agriculture at 800-877-3835 or email SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov. Also, those who receive the packages are asked to keep the original packaging, as that could help investigators.
Cox Media Group
