The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said residents should not plant unsolicited seeds that appear to be from China.
Residents living in Virginia have been receiving unsolicited seeds that appear to have originated in China.
State officials are now asking residents receiving unidentified seed packets not to plant them in their gardens, urging with caution as they could come from non-native or invasive plant species.
“Invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects, and seriously damage crops,” the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said in a press release.
“Taking steps to prevent their introduction is the most effective method of reducing both the risk of invasive species infestations and the cost of controlling and mitigating those infestations.”
The Virginians said they received the seeds through packages sent by mail containing Chinese writing.
The public is asked to report receipt of any unsolicited seed packets. More information: https://t.co/RY9u4nR1QK pic.twitter.com/ZzNaO2ZaYz
– VDACS (@VaAgriculture) July 24, 2020
Residents receiving unsolicited seeds are encouraged to contact the Virginia Plant Industry Services Office at 804-786-3515 or email [email protected].
Like WTOP on Facebook and follow @WTOP on Twitter to start a conversation about this article and others.
Receive breaking news and daily headlines in your email inbox by registering here.
© 2020 WTOP. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
