Recently, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has become aware of a number of reports regarding “mysterious and unsolicited seeds from China and other parts of Asia”.  The seed packages, often labeled as jewelry, toys, etc., are being shipped to homeowners throughout the U.S., including Butte County.  The CDFA is communicating with the United States Department of Agriculture to determine any necessary actions for shipments received in California.  

In the meantime, the Butte County Department of Agriculture (BCDA) is instructing residents not to open, plant, or dispose of any unsolicited seed packets received, but to contact our office. “Invasive species can devastate the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects, severely damage crops, and poison livestock. Taking steps to prevent their introduction is the most effective method of reducing both the risk of invasive species infestations and the cost to control and mitigate those infestations and protect our $632 million agricultural industry,” stated Louie Mendoza, Butte County Agricultural Commissioner.

We encourage recipients of these seeds to contact our office at 530-552-4100 for arrangements to collect, isolate and properly store the seed. If you have planted the seeds, please contact our department for additional direction.  

Butte County Department of Agriculture
316 Nelson Avenue, Oroville, CA  95965
530-552-4100
[email protected].

Chico District Office Gridley District Office
196 Memorial Way, Chico, CA 95926 239 Sycamore St., Gridley, CA 95948
530-552-4085 530-552-4090