Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) are urging residents to stay vigilant after a continued wave of unsolicited seed packages has appeared across the state. Since February 2025, TDA has collected 1,101 packages at 109 locations, many of which contain seeds of unknown origin and, in some cases, unknown liquids. Officials say these deliveries pose serious risks to Texas agriculture, public safety, and the environment.
“These may look like small, harmless packets, but they can introduce invasive species or plant diseases that threaten Texas farms and gardens,” said Commissioner Miller. “We need Texans to report any suspicious deliveries so the contents can be safely collected and disposed of.”
Background and Scope of the Issue
The first known incident in this recent wave occurred in February 2025 when a resident in Clute, Texas, received a package from China containing unidentified seeds and an unknown liquid. Since then, reports have surfaced from other states, including Ohio, New Mexico, and Alabama, demonstrating that this is part of a broader, nationwide problem.
The packages are sometimes linked to “brushing scams”, a fraudulent online sales tactic where sellers send low-value or unsolicited items to random addresses, then post fake verified reviews to boost their sales. Even if the packages are part of such scams, they still pose a threat by potentially carrying invasive plants, agricultural pests, or plant diseases.
TDA officials stress that even small, seemingly innocuous seeds can create serious biosecurity risks if they are planted or inadvertently enter the environment. Texas agriculture—which includes crops, livestock, and natural ecosystems—could be negatively affected if invasive species are introduced.
What Texans Should Do
The Texas Department of Agriculture offers the following guidance for anyone who receives an unsolicited seed package:
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Do not open the package. Even touching the seeds or liquid could spread contaminants.
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Keep the package sealed in its original packaging.
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Contact TDA immediately at 1-(800) TELL-TDA for safe collection instructions.
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Avoid planting any seeds from unknown packages.
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Do not dispose of them in household trash or compost, as this could introduce pests or invasive plants into the local environment.
Ongoing Efforts
TDA is actively working with federal partners to collect, test, and safely dispose of the unsolicited seed packages. These efforts are intended to prevent potential threats to Texas crops, gardens, and ecosystems while minimizing any public health risks.
Commissioner Miller emphasized the importance of public awareness: “Whether this is part of a scam or something more serious, Texas will take every step necessary to protect our people, food supply, and environment.”
