CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA)released the following update regarding unsolicited foreign seeds:

“The WVDA is working in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) to properly track, as well as intake unsolicited seeds from China. As we continue to gather more information, we are asking those who have received seeds to contact the Department or the USDA. We do not believe there is an immediate threat to the public at this time,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt.

If you have received unsolicited seeds, please take the following steps:

1. Do not open or plant the seeds.
2. Mail the seeds and all packing material to: USDA-APHIS 275 Gus R. Douglass Lane, Charleston, WV 25312. In addition, please provide your contact information including address, phone and email.
3. If you have ordered seeds previously this year through an e-commerce vendor, please indicate what you may have ordered, the name of the business and the businesses location.

For more information, contact the WVDA at 304-558-2212 or USDA-APHIS at 304-343-8585.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials who sits on the Board of Public Works.