LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is urging residents to remain vigilant after reports of unsolicited seed packages arriving across New Mexico and Texas. These mysterious packages, often labeled incorrectly— such as 'wire connectors'—are being delivered to unsuspecting individuals and could pose serious risks to agriculture and the environment.
State officials stress that recipients should not plant the seeds, as they could introduce invasive species or plant diseases harmful to local ecosystems. If you receive such a package, take the following steps:
• Do not plant the seeds.
• If already planted, remove them before germination or destroy any growing plants.
• Keep all packaging, labels, and seeds.
• Document with photographs if possible.
• Report the incident to NMDA immediately.
'These unauthorized seed shipments violate state and federal law and pose serious risks to our agriculture and environment,' said Katie Laney, NMDA Agricultural Production Services Assistant Division Director.
How to Report Unsolicited Seeds
Residents should report any suspicious seed packages to NMDA through the following channels: Email:
ddlabs@nmda.nmsu.edu (attach photos) Phone: 575-646-1551 Online Form: NMDA’s Unsolicited Seed Package Report Mail Seeds & Packaging To: New Mexico Department of Agriculture | Laboratory Division Attn: Tim Darden MSC 3 LD / P.O. Box 30005 973 Agriculture Way Las Cruces, NM 88003-8005 Authorities emphasize that while receiving these packages does not violate any laws, cooperation in reporting them is crucial for tracking and stopping illegal agricultural shipments. For ongoing updates, visit nmdeptag.nmsu.edu.