Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is again warning Texans about mysterious packages of seeds being sent from China after a sharp spike since his last warning on Jan. 5. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) 126 packets have been collected this year alone, with reports sur ging dramatically. “These packages are pouring in faster and further than ever before,” Commissioner Miller said. “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.” Unsolicited packages of unidentified seeds began arriving in 2020 and continue to be sent to people across the state. The Texas Department of Agriculture is urging Texans who receive unsolicited seeds not to open the package, not to plant the seeds, and not to throw them into the trash, where they’ll end up in a landfill. Since February 2025, the TDA said it has collected 1,101 seed packages sent to more than 100 locations across the state. The TDA said the seeds could pose a serious threat to the state’s agricultural and environmental safety. “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. Together, we can stop this threat before it takes root. Please report seed package deliveries to protect Texas.” Although these deliveries may seem harmless at first glance, authorities insist they could conceal a much greater threat: the potential introduction of invasive species that could impact crops, gardens, natural ecosystems, and even the food supply chain. “At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is serious business,” said Miller. “The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry. We need everyone to report these packages when they arrive so the contents may be gathered and disposed of properly.” The Texas Department of Agriculture shares a sampling of seeds they say were unsolicited and sent to Texans in 2025. The most recent spate of mailings was reported last year, when a resident of Clute received an unsolicited package from China containing unidentified seeds and an unknown liquid. Since then, similar cases have been detected not only in Texas but also in other states such as Ohio, New Mexico, and Alabama, indicating that this is a nationwide phenomenon. “Whether it’s part of an ongoing scam or something more sinister, we are determined to protect Texans,” said Miller. “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 said the mailings echo similar nationwide incidents dating back to 2020 and “underscore the continued risk posed by unsolicited foreign seed shipments, including brushing scams,” a fraudulent practice where sellers send low-value items to generate fake reviews on e-commerce platforms. However, officials are not ruling out more severe scenarios due to the potential biological damage these shipments could cause. The TDA said it is working closely with the USDA to collect, test, and safely dispose of the seed packages. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service found that the contents were sacred lotus seeds and that the liquid was a nutrient solution. The USDA considers sacred lotus an invasive aquatic plant, particularly when introduced outside its native range in Asia. The plant is not considered a noxious weed and is only prohibited in one state, Wisconsin. The USDA is destroying the seeds using steam sterilization. The authorities reiterate that these seeds should not be planted, opened or disposed of in regular trash. Those who receive suspicious packages should keep them sealed and immediately contact the Texas Department of Agriculture at 1-800-TELL-TDA for instructions. Frisco Feb 17, 2025 Ag Commissioner Miller warns Texans of fraudulent seed deliveries China Jul 28, 2020 Texas Agriculture Commissioner Issues Warning on Unsolicited Seeds From China ...read more read less