Waco Journal
Sunday, July 6, 2025
  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result
Waco Journal
  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result
Waco Journal
No Result
View All Result

Texas Department of Agriculture collects 311 unsolicited seed packages across 64 locations, warns residents to exercise caution and report suspicious deliveries

by Gavin Wright
March 22, 2025
in Texas
Texas Department of Agriculture collects 311 unsolicited seed packages across 64 locations, warns residents to exercise caution and report suspicious deliveries

Texas – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has collected a total of 311 unsolicited seed packages from 64 locations across the state. This includes the first instance of a live plant being mailed to a Texas resident without request. In light of this, Miller is urging Texans to remain cautious when encountering any unexpected packages, particularly those containing unfamiliar contents.

“Texans need to be aware of the dangers of opening unsolicited packages left at their doorstep,” Commissioner Miller stated. “We must stay vigilant and not assume that every package contains harmless plant material. Although many of these seeds are not listed as noxious plants by the federal government, they still pose a significant national biosecurity threat that should not be overlooked.”

In response to the situation, TDA will continue to collect and forward all seed packages, unidentified liquids, and plant materials to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) or the Texas Tech horticulture department for identification, testing, and disposal, at no cost to the recipients. TDA’s partners at APHIS will work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to track and halt similar shipments in the future.

This effort is part of an ongoing national issue that began in 2020, as unsolicited seed deliveries started arriving across the country. USDA officials have identified these shipments as potentially linked to “brushing scams,” a deceptive practice where retailers send inexpensive items to unsuspecting individuals, write fake reviews, and fraudulently inflate product ratings. While the connection between these unsolicited seed deliveries and brushing scams is not yet clear, the pattern is similar.

“We are still trying to understand how these seeds are passing through customs,” Commissioner Miller added. “We have consistently reported and delivered these packages to APHIS, which has worked to communicate with customs officials. While this may seem harmless, it raises a security concern in our nation’s delivery system that must be addressed.”

Texans who receive any unsolicited packages containing seeds, liquids, or live plants are advised not to open them. Instead, they should keep the contents sealed in the original packaging and contact the TDA toll-free at (800) TELL-TDA for further instructions.

Related Posts

Governor Greg Abbott announces $17.3 million grant to SpaceX for expansion of semiconductor R&D facility in Bastrop
Texas

Governor Abbott sets November 4 special election for Texas Senate District 9 seat

June 30, 2025

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation designating Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as the date for a special...

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Miller announces schools to celebrate National School Breakfast Week March 3-7 with theme ‘Clue In To School Breakfast’
Texas

Texas bans sale of lab-grown meat in major win for ranchers, agriculture commissioner says

June 27, 2025

Texas - Texas has officially become the seventh state to ban the sale and production of lab-grown meat, following legislation...

Governor Greg Abbott announces $17.3 million grant to SpaceX for expansion of semiconductor R&D facility in Bastrop
Texas

Governor Abbott signs 1,155 bills, calls special session for July

June 24, 2025

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott finalized legislative actions from the 89th Regular Legislative Session this week, signing 1,155 bills into law...

Governor signs major property tax relief bills increasing homestead exemptions and business exemptions
Texas

Governor signs major property tax relief bills increasing homestead exemptions and business exemptions

June 18, 2025

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott signed three significant bills into law during a ceremony at Robson Ranch Clubhouse, aimed at...

Texas DPS seeks help solving 1990 cold case murder, offering $6,000 reward
Texas

Texas DPS and Austin Police make multiple arrests during planned protest at State Capitol

June 12, 2025

Texas - On the evening of June 9, 2025, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in coordination with the...

TDCJ launches high voltage training program to equip inmates and technicians with vital skills
Texas

TDCJ launches high voltage training program to equip inmates and technicians with vital skills

June 2, 2025

Texas - The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has successfully launched its new High Voltage Training Program, aimed at...

4-year-old dies after his mom, who insisted she Iocked the doors before going to sIeep, attempted to make it appear as an accidentaI death by pIacing the chiId in a pooI after kiIIing her: police
News

4-year-old dies after his mom, who insisted she Iocked the doors before going to sIeep, attempted to make it appear as an accidentaI death by pIacing the chiId in a pooI after kiIIing her: police

by Nolan Harris
July 4, 2025
0

Oklahoma - An Oklahoma parent, who took her chiId to Florida, only to kiII the 4-year-old girI before she staged...

Read moreDetails
Woman dies after the father of her chiIdren became increasingIy suspicious after pIacing a Iistening device under their bed and caught her having phone intrcourse with another man before he kiIIed her: police

Woman dies after the father of her chiIdren became increasingIy suspicious after pIacing a Iistening device under their bed and caught her having phone intrcourse with another man before he kiIIed her: police

July 4, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott announces $17.3 million grant to SpaceX for expansion of semiconductor R&D facility in Bastrop

Governor Abbott sets November 4 special election for Texas Senate District 9 seat

June 30, 2025
City officials are inviting you on March 25th at 501 Schroeder Drive to get rid of your household hazardous waste

City of Waco reminds residents fireworks are illegal within city limits ahead of July 4

June 30, 2025
Applications are open for the WPD Junior Police Academy, police officials say

Waco Police Department to host “Stuff the Cruiser” school supply drive July 19

June 30, 2025
4-year-old dies after his mom, who insisted she Iocked the doors before going to sIeep, attempted to make it appear as an accidentaI death by pIacing the chiId in a pooI after kiIIing her: police

4-year-old dies after his mom, who insisted she Iocked the doors before going to sIeep, attempted to make it appear as an accidentaI death by pIacing the chiId in a pooI after kiIIing her: police

by Nolan Harris
July 4, 2025
0

Oklahoma - An Oklahoma parent, who took her chiId to Florida, only to kiII the 4-year-old girI before she staged...

Woman dies after the father of her chiIdren became increasingIy suspicious after pIacing a Iistening device under their bed and caught her having phone intrcourse with another man before he kiIIed her: police

Woman dies after the father of her chiIdren became increasingIy suspicious after pIacing a Iistening device under their bed and caught her having phone intrcourse with another man before he kiIIed her: police

by Nolan Harris
July 4, 2025
0

New York - A New York man was arrested on Monday in connection with the fataI stabbing of his girIfriend,...

Governor Greg Abbott announces $17.3 million grant to SpaceX for expansion of semiconductor R&D facility in Bastrop

Governor Abbott sets November 4 special election for Texas Senate District 9 seat

by Nolan Harris
June 30, 2025
0

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation designating Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as the date for a special...

City officials are inviting you on March 25th at 501 Schroeder Drive to get rid of your household hazardous waste

City of Waco reminds residents fireworks are illegal within city limits ahead of July 4

by Nolan Harris
June 30, 2025
0

Waco, TX - As residents prepare for Fourth of July celebrations, the City of Waco is reminding the community that...

About Us

A community needs news and Waco Journal is proud to serve 50,000 households each month through our website covering Waco and the other local counties.

Learn more

Recent Stories

  • 4-year-old dies after his mom, who insisted she Iocked the doors before going to sIeep, attempted to make it appear as an accidentaI death by pIacing the chiId in a pooI after kiIIing her: police
  • Woman dies after the father of her chiIdren became increasingIy suspicious after pIacing a Iistening device under their bed and caught her having phone intrcourse with another man before he kiIIed her: police

Categories

  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
Currently Playing

© 2023 Waco Journal

  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result