Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is warning residents about a dramatic increase in unsolicited seed packages arriving from China, with more than 1,100 packets collected statewide since February.
At a Glance
- 1,101 unsolicited seed packages have been collected in Texas since February 2025
- 126 packets gathered this year alone after a surge since January 5
- Seeds sent to more than 100 locations across Texas
- Why it matters: Invasive species from these seeds could devastate farms, ranches, and the food supply
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) reports the mailings echo similar incidents dating back to 2020 and now extend beyond Texas to Ohio, New Mexico, and Alabama. According to News Of Fort Worth‘s analysis, the most recent known case occurred last year when a Clute resident received both unidentified seeds and an unknown liquid from China.
The Threat to Texas Agriculture
Commissioner Miller emphasized the stakes: “These packages are pouring in faster and further than ever before. They may look innocent, but the danger is real. One invasive species, pest, or pathogen could devastate Texas farms, ranches, natural resources, and food supply. We cannot gamble with Texas agriculture.”
Authorities say the seeds could introduce invasive species capable of harming:
- Crops
- Gardens
- Natural ecosystems
- The food supply chain
“At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is serious business,” Miller said. “The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry.”
What Officials Found
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service determined the latest packages contained:
- Sacred lotus seeds
- A nutrient solution for the seeds
Sacred lotus is classified as an invasive aquatic plant outside its native Asian range. While not labeled a noxious weed federally, it is prohibited in Wisconsin. The USDA is destroying the seeds using steam sterilization.
How to Respond
TDA instructs anyone who receives unsolicited seed packages to:
- Do not open the package
- Do not plant the seeds
- Do not place them in household trash
- Keep the package sealed
- Call 1-800-TELL-TDA immediately
“Texans need to stay sharp,” Commissioner Miller urged. “Report every suspicious package. We can’t take any chances that might jeopardize our producers, the environment, or food security.”
Broader Pattern
Officials note the seed deliveries may tie into brushing scams-fraudulent tactics where sellers ship low-value items to create fake e-commerce reviews. Yet given the biological risk, authorities are not discounting more serious motives.
“Whether it’s part of an ongoing scam or something more sinister, we are determined to protect Texans,” Miller said. “Unsolicited seeds coming into our country are a risk to American agriculture, our environment, and public safety. Texas isn’t going to take chances when it comes to protecting our people and our food supply.”
The TDA is coordinating with the USDA to collect, test, and safely dispose of all documented shipments. Since the first warnings on January 5, the pace of reports has risen sharply, prompting the renewed statewide alert relayed by Megan L. Whitfield of News Of Fort Worth.
