North Dakota and South Dakota state officials have issued warnings and advice about handling the unsolicited seed packages people are receiving from China.

“We’re not sure why these seeds are being sent or what the motives are behind this,” says Doug Goehring, North Dakota agriculture commissioner. “Unsolicited seeds may be invasive and introduce diseases harmful to plants or livestock.”

“Individuals who receive unsolicited seeds should be concerned,” says Jason Goltz, North Dakota State Seed Department regulatory manager. “The introduction of a noxious weed or new disease can have devastating effects on agriculture and our food supply.”

Anyone receiving unsolicited seeds in the mail should do the following:

NDDA and the North Dakota State Seed Department will work with USDA to identify and destroy the seeds.

South Dakota’s seed response

“We’re not sure the intent behind this activity, but I urge the public to refrain from planting these seeds as invasive species can have devastating effects on South Dakota agriculture,” says Larry Rhoden, South Dakota lieutenant governor.

He says any South Dakota farmers receiving unsolicited seeds in the mail should do the following:

SDDA is monitoring the situation and working with USDA to provide further guidance, he says.

Sources: NDDA and SDDA, which are solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.