Odd and unsolicited seed packages (sometimes labeled as jewelry), have been received by Wisconsin citizens.  This fairly bizarre phenomenon is rare and may be related to a way to generate fake positive online commerce reviews.

If you receive such a package, please do not open the seed packet and do not plant or throw away the seeds.  Instead, keep the seeds with the packaging they were mailed in and report it to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.  The best way to do that is to use their online form.

After filling out the online form, please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until DATCP or APHIS contacts you with further instructions.

All foreign seeds shipped to the United States should have a phytosanitary certificate which guarantees the seeds meet import requirements. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive species, contain noxious weeds, could introduce diseases to local plants, or could be harmful to livestock. Invasive species and noxious weeds can displace native plants and increase costs of food production.

DATCP works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to prevent the introduction of invasive species and protect Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural industry.

For continued updates and information on this issue, please visit DATCP’s website.