Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller is warning about the return of mystery seed packages making their way to the United States from China.
So far, five packages have been reported statewide.
Texas Ag and USDA’s APHIS are collecting and inspecting the seeds. One package has already been identified as an invasive, aquatic plant known as the sacred lotus or Indian lotus.
Commissioner Miller says the packages should have never made their way through customs blaming loopholes in today’s biosecurity protections.
He urged Texans to use caution saying:
“It’s clear there’s a trend here and Americans nationwide need to stay vigilant. The importance of biosecurity for our country shouldn’t be overlooked.”
If you receive a foreign package containing seeds, do not open it. Keep the contents sealed in their original packaging and call your state ag department.
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