Kentucky agriculture commissioner warns of suspicious packages of seeds

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky is the fourth state to receive suspicious packages of seeds from China, according to the state Commissioner of Agriculture, Ryan Quarles.

"At this point and time, we don't have enough information to know if this is a hoax, a prank, an internet scam, or an act of agricultural bio-terrorism," Quarles said.

Quarles said if you receive a package of seeds that you did not order, do not plant them because they could contain "invasive species." He recommends placing the package of seeds into a baggie and washing your hands immediately.

Kentucky is now the 4th known state to report suspicious packages appearing to originate from China containing seeds. Multiple states have opened investigations. If you receive a suspicious package of seeds that you did not order: pic.twitter.com/kHBwKIT7W5
— Ryan Quarles (@RyanQuarlesKY) July 26, 2020

The commissioner believes the packages are coming from China. Quarles said several other states have also opened investigations regarding the suspicious seeds.

"We have the safest, most abundant food supply system in the world, and we need to keep it that way," Quarles explained.

If you believe you have received one of these packages, contact the Kentucky Department of Agriculture at 502-573-0282 or ag.web@ky.gov.