Ag department identifies seed packets, some noxious to state

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture's seed lab has identified 224 foreign seed packets that were mailed unsolicited to residents. Four packets contained seeds that are noxious to the state.

NMDA received reports beginning July 24 of residents who were mailed unsolicited foreign seeds not clearly labeled as seeds.

If you are the recipient of one of these seed packets, do not plant them. If the seed has been planted, collect the seed before germination or destroy any emerging plants.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection and other federal agencies continue to work closely with NMDA and other state departments of agriculture to investigate the situation.

NMDA no longer will identify or catalog the unsolicited foreign seed packets but will hold them so USDA can take possession of them. USDA is set to perform more extensive investigation.

Those who have received unsolicited foreign shipments are asked to save all shipping labels, packaging and seeds. Unsolicited seeds packets should still be reported to NMDA through the form on the homepage at http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu.

NMDA reminds the public this type of international shipment of seeds is unlawful under state and federal regulations. The seeds are unknown and could be a pathway for introductions of new invasive plant species and new plant diseases to the state. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins. New Mexico residents are not in violation of any regulations if they have received these shipments.

Seeds and associated shipping materials can be mailed to NMDA at the following address:

New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Laboratory Division

Attn: Tim Darden

MSC 3-LD/P.O. Box 30005

3190 S. Espina St.

Las Cruces, NM 88003-8005