UDAF Gives Guidance on Unsolicited Seed Packages

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) are working to assist Utahns who are receiving unsolicited packages from outside of the United States of America, containing plant seeds. Residents throughout the state have reported receiving packages they did not order, containing plant seed(s).

Foreign plant material may pose a threat to Utah’s private and public lands by introducing invasive plants that can disrupt the ecosystem. Individuals who may have received an unsolicited package containing plant seeds are asked to give the package, in its entirety over to the UDAF’s Plant Industry Division for analysis. Residents can mail their packages to: 

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

ATTN: State Seed Lab

PO Box 146500

Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6500 

Or drop them off at:

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

ATTN: State Seed Lab

350 N. Redwood Road

Salt Lake City, Utah 84116 

UDAF’s State Seed Lab will continue identifying the seeds to determine whether they are on the Federal or State Noxious lists. Following the identification, the lab will destroy the material, to prevent it from entering Utah’s ecosystem.

Individuals who are unable to submit their seeds to UDAF are advised to destroy the seeds and/or plants according to the following instructions:

Dry heat (oven) method for Seeds:

• Preheat oven to 325F (163C)
• Place seeds in a monolayer on a baking pan (or cookie sheet)  lined with tinfoil
• Dispose of empty seed packet in the trash.
• Place seed in pre-heated oven and maintain for 30 min.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool
• Double bag the baked seeds in plastic baggies and dispose of in trash

Destruction options for potted seeds/plants:

• Remove the plants (including soil) and place inside a plastic bag. Use the thickest plastic bag available. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. Seal the bag.
• Place inside a second plastic bag. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. Seal second bag.
• Dispose of the double-bagged plant material/soil into trash, do not compost.
• Dispose of the planting container in 2 trash bags as described above (recommended).

Or:

• Remove as much soil as possible from inside the pot with a paper towel.
• Wash the planting container with soap and water to remove dirt.
• Soak the planting container in a 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes, rinse and refrain from planting new material in the container for 12 months.
• Collect runoff from washing the planting container and put it down the drain or toilet.

Destruction options for seeds/plants sowed in ground:

• Remove the plants including the surrounding soil, including 3 inches of soil  around the seeds/plants.
• Where seed germination has not occurred, remove the soil presumed to contain the planted seeds.
• Place plant and soil material inside a plastic bag. Use the thickest plastic bag you have available. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible.  Seal the bag.
• Place inside a second plastic bag. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. Seal second bag.
• Dispose of the double-bagged plant material/soil into trash, do not compost.
• Refrain from planting new plants in the affected area for 12 months, and remove any plants that grow in the area.

For questions or further information, please contact Terry Freeman, Seed Lab Manager, at terryfreeman@utah.gov.