As we all know by now, many farmers and others in the state have received unsolicited seeds from China. At this time, no one knows the exact origin, purpose, or intentions. If you receive any seeds from China please keep the seeds sealed in the bag they came in and it also wouldn’t hurt to put the bag inside another sandwich/zip-lock bag for more protection. Do not throw the seeds away, discard or open.

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 closely 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 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.

State Plant Regulatory Official
Mike Evans, Program Manager
Phone: 404-586-1140
Email: Mike.Evans@agr.georgia.gov

GDA Seed Lab-Tifton
Phone: 229-386-3145
Email: SeedLab@agr.georgia.gov

People with questions can also call: 844-820-2234
Monday-Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
CustomerServiceCallCenter@aphis.usda.gov

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