Hello,

The information is changing rapidly on what to do if you receive the Chinese shipments – or you have questions from customers or the public.  We are getting used to rapidly changing information, aren’t we?  This just came directly from Ag and Markets.

Thanks for getting the word out.

Betsy

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the United States Department of Agriculture are  currently in the process of collecting and analyzing samples from these shipments.  Please ensure the seed package is sealed and mail the seeds, the original packaging, your contact information, and any additional details you believe are relevant,  to:

Office of the State Plant Health Director of New York

c/o Christopher Zaloga

500 New Karner Rd

Albany, NY 12205

At this time, we don’t 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 to determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment. 

USDA and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets are committed to preventing the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protecting U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds. 

Thank you.  We appreciate your concern and commitment to protecting our agricultural resources.

For people in other states, please recommend that they contact their own State  Dept.  of Agriculture. They can start with  the Seed Control Official of their state for direction.  Enclosed is a link to the Seed Control Officials of each state.

http://www.seedcontrol.org/membership_directory.html