Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging residents across the state to be aware after more than 1,100 seed packages allegedly sent from China have been delivered to over 100 locations statewide, all sent without request and often containing unidentified plant seeds.
While the packages may seem minor or harmless, authorities warn that the contents could introduce invasive plant species, pests or other hazards that pose a risk to Texas farms, gardens and the state’s natural ecosystems.
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“The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry,” Miller said in a news release. “We need everyone to report these packages when they arrive so the contents may be gathered and disposed of properly.”
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Similar occurrences have been reported in other states, including Ohio, New Mexico and Alabama, reflecting a broader national pattern of unsolicited seed mailings extending back to at least 2020.
According to authorities, some experts suggest these packages may be linked to brushing scams—where items are sent unsolicited so that sellers can generate fake online reviews—though authorities continue to assess all possibilities.
What Texas residents should do
State officials are asking Texans who receive unexpected seed packages to:
Not open the contents.Keep everything sealed in the original packaging.Contact the Texas Department of Agriculture at 1-800-8355-832 to report the seeds.
The TDA is collaborating with federal partners to collect, test and safely dispose of all unsolicited seed packages as part of broader efforts to safeguard Texas agriculture from potential invasive threats.
“Whether it’s part of an ongoing scam or something more sinister, we are determined to protect Texans,” Miller said.