MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is partnering with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) to assist in collecting unsolicited seed packages being sent to Alabama residents from China. The packages often indicate that they contain jewelry rather than seeds. Local residents may drop off the packages at the Cullman County Extension office at 402 Arnold St. NE (across from The Folsom Center) in Cullman. ADAI field inspectors are currently collecting these seed packages to test their contents for unknown compounds, noxious weed seed and invasive species. They will pick them up from the Cullman County Extension office.
Gary Lemme, Alabama Extension director, said each county Extension office will serve as a drop off point for residents who may have received these mystery packages containing seeds.
“This partnership will allow inspectors at ADAI to process these seed samples more quickly,” Lemme said. “Alabama Extension is proud to take part in this process to continue serving Alabama residents.”
Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said, “We appreciate Extension’s offer to assist our department by providing a designated drop off point in each county. We will continue to collect packages as along as we receive reports that they are being delivered to Alabama citizens.”
How to drop off seeds
Those who have received unsolicited seed packages should not open the package containing the seeds or handle or plant the seeds. Deliver the unopened seed packages to the Cullman County Extension office. Professionals at the office will assist in filling out an ADAI Unsolicited Seed Package Report.
