Ag Commissioner urges residents who received unsolicited seeds from China to contact Ag Dept. to coordinate safe disposal; prevent invasive species/pests

July 28, 2020

SOLANO COUNTY – Ed King, the Solano County Agricultural Commissioner, is urging Solano County residents who may have received unsolicited shipments of plant seeds from China to contact the Solano County Agriculture department to coordinate safe disposal.  Seed packets should not be opened, shipped or disposed of by residents to prevent a potential dispersal of invasive plants or quarantine pests.

Earlier today, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) notified California County Agricultural Commissioners of reports of homeowners receiving unsolicited seeds from China.  The CDFA is coordinating with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to determine any necessary actions for shipments received in California.  In the meantime, the CDFA is recommending County Ag departments hold on to the seeds until safe disposal instructions are provided.

If you or someone you know received unsolicited seeds from China, please contact the Solano County Agriculture Department at (707) 784-1310 to coordinate safe disposal.