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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
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USDA Provides List of Locations by State Where Public Can Mail Unsolicited Seed Packages

Published: Aug 4, 2020
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to mail those seeds to the location listed here for your state. If more than one location is listed for your state, please select the location closest to your residence.

Instructions for Mailing Seed Packets:

  • Place the unopened seed packet and any packaging, including the mailing label in a mailing envelope. If the seed packets are open, first place the seeds and their packaging into a zip-lock bag, seal it, and then place everything into a mailing envelope.
  • Please include your name, address, and phone number so that a State or Federal agriculture official can contact you for additional information, if needed.
  • In some cases, you may also submit your information online. Instructions are available here if that is an option in your state.

If you are unable to mail the package, please contact your APHIS State plant health director to arrange a no-contact pick up or determine a convenient drop-off location.

It is important that USDA collect as many seeds as possible to determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment. The seeds we have already identified include a mixture of ornamental, fruit and vegetable, herb, and weed seeds.

USDA is committed to preventing the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protecting U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds. Visit the APHIS website to learn more about USDA’s efforts to stop agricultural smuggling and promote trade compliance.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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