Texas agricultural officials have issued a warning for residents to stay on the lookout for unsolicited packages containing unidentified seeds that are being sent throughout the state.
The issue was first brought to the attention of the Texas Department of Agriculture last February when a resident of Clute received an unsolicited package from China that contained an unknown liquid and unidentified seeds.
Since this initial report, TDA has collected 1,101 unsolicited packages of seeds from more than 100 locations. The last collection of these seeds by TDA occurred on December 29, 2025.
Officials warn that these packages of unidentified seeds pose a serious threat to Texas’ agriculture biosecurity and the entire nation.
“The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “We need everyone to report these packages when they arrive so the contents may be gathered and disposed of properly.”
In an attempt to protect Texas agriculture from the introduction of an invasive species, TDA is currently working closely with the federal partners not only in the collection and disposal of these unidentifiable seeds, but also in testing them.
Texas has not been the only state receiving these unidentified packages of seeds. New Mexico, Ohio, and Alabama have also reported similar packages being sent into their states.
“Unsolicited seeds coming into our country are a risk to American agriculture, our environment, and public safety,” continued Miller. “Texas isn’t going to take chances when it comes to protecting our people and our food supply.”
If Texans receive an unsolicited package, the TDA requests that it remain unopened and that they immediately contact the agency at 1-800-TELL-TDA for guidance on how the package should be kept until it is safely collected.
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