The Alabama Dept. of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) recently received reports of “unsolicited” seeds being delivered to residents across the state through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

According to the ADAI, the seeds reported were identified as tomato and onion seeds and tested negative for any harmful compounds. This practice is known as agricultural smuggling, which is the illegal import or export of agricultural productions, including plants, animals, foods and related goods, without proper authorization or in violation of regulations.

“We urge all residents to be on the lookout for similar packages. These seeds may be invasive to Alabama plants or be harmful to livestock,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “Our staff is working diligently to keep Alabama’s citizens and agriculture safe.”

The first of these unsolicited seed packages appeared in mailboxes across the U.S. in 2020 and sampled were analyzed for identification and tested for unknown compounds, noxious weed seed and invasive species. No dangerous compounds or noxious weeds were detected in those seeds either.

The ADAI requests anyone that receives a package of unsolicited seeds to contact your county Alabama Cooperative Extension System office or contact the Ag Compliance Consumer Protection Specialist for your territory. Pike County’s specialist, Bill McMillian, can be reached at (334) 726-0143.

The ADAI asks anyone receiving these seed packages not to plant the seeds nor open the packaging.