Author: UC Integrated Pest Management Program
Have you had unexpected seeds show up in the mail? Unknown seeds could be invasive plants, contain invasive insects, or have plant disease causing agents. Here's what the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has to say about it.
APHIS Stakeholder Announcement July 28, 2020 (Language from their website)
USDA Investigates Packages of Unsolicited Seeds
USDA is aware that people across the country have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that appear to be coming from China. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection, other federal agencies, and State departments of agriculture to investigate the situation.
USDA urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to immediately contact their State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director. 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.
At this time, [USDA does not] have any evidence indicating this is something other than a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. USDA is currently collecting seed packages from recipients and will test their contents and determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment.
USDA is committed to preventing the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protecting U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds. Visit the APHIS' website to learn more about USDA's efforts to stop agricultural smuggling and promote trade compliance.
Questions?
Media Contact:
Cecilia Sequeira (301) 851-4054
K.cecilia.sequeira@usda.gov
- Author: Cheryl A. Wilen
| APHIS Removes Requirement for Trapping Light Brown Apple Moth at Plant Nurseries in Regulated Areas in California |
| 05/19/2016 |
|
FOR INFORMATION AND ACTION Subject: APHIS Removes the Requirement for Trapping for the Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana) at Plant Nurseries in the Regulated Areas in California To: State and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) removes the requirement for trapping for the light brown apple moth (LBAM) on farms and premises that are eligible to move—under certificate—any nursery stock, cut flowers, garlands, wreaths or greenery of any plants, trees and shrubs, and green waste in any of the regulated counties. The attached Federal Order describes the changes in the trapping requirement and the requirements for the interstate movement of LBAM-regulated articles. This action is necessary to relieve restrictions that have been determined to have no risk-based reason for continuance. APHIS, in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and local county agricultural commissioners, maintains its survey and regulatory framework to prevent the artificial spread of LBAM to other states or trading partners. LBAM is native to Australia and has established populations in New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Hawaii. The host range for LBAM includes more than 250 plant species. Maps and a list of the federal quarantine area are provided at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/planthealth/lbam For further information about the LBAM program, you may call National Policy Manager Richard Johnson at 301-851-2109. Osama El-Lissy |
