Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture are urging Texans to remain alert after hundreds of unsolicited seed packages have been delivered to homes across the state, raising ongoing concerns about agricultural biosecurity.
Since February 2025, TDA has collected 1,101 packs of unidentified seeds from 109 locations statewide. Officials say the small packages may appear harmless, but they carry the potential to introduce invasive species, plant diseases, or agricultural pests that could threaten Texas farms, gardens, and natural ecosystems. Commissioner Miller said the situation should not be taken lightly, noting that even a single invasive species could cause serious damage to the state’s agriculture industry and environment. He encouraged anyone who receives an unexpected seed shipment to report it immediately so it can be safely handled and destroyed.
The issue first came to TDA’s attention in early February when a resident in Clute received an unsolicited package from China containing unidentified seeds and an unknown liquid. Since then, similar reports have surfaced not only across Texas, but in other states as well, including Ohio, New Mexico, and Alabama. The most recent seed collection effort in Texas took place Dec. 29, 2025.
State and federal officials say the deliveries resemble a resurgence of mystery seed incidents first reported nationwide in 2020. Some shipments may be tied to so-called “brushing scams,” in which sellers mail low-value items to random addresses in order to post fake verified reviews online. Regardless of intent, agriculture officials stress that foreign seeds pose a real risk and should never be planted. TDA is working with federal partners to collect, test, and properly dispose of all unsolicited seed packages in an effort to protect the state’s food supply and ecosystems.
Residents who receive an unsolicited package are advised not to open it. The package should remain sealed in its original packaging, and the Texas Department of Agriculture should be contacted for instructions at 1-(800)-TELL-TDA (1-800-835-5832)
