Pender County Residents Urged to Be Alert for Unsolicited Seed Packets

Pender County Cooperative Extension is urging residents to remain alert following reports that unsolicited seed packets are again being mailed to U.S. addresses. In 2020, mysterious packets of seeds originating from China were sent to households across the country. In early 2026, the Texas Department of Agriculture confirmed that similar shipments have resumed, with 16 known seed packets recently delivered to locations across Texas.

At this time, no seed packets have been reported in North Carolina. However, residents of Pender County and surrounding areas are encouraged to closely monitor their mail and take immediate action if an unexpected packet of seeds is received.

If you receive an unsolicited seed packet:

• Do not open the packet and do not plant the seeds.

• Contact a Consumer Horticulture Agent at any Cooperative Extension office in Onslow, New Hanover, or Brunswick counties, or

• Deliver the unopened packet to the NC Cooperative Extension Office, 801 S. Walker Street, Burgaw, NC.

Unsolicited seeds may pose serious risks to agriculture, the environment, and native plant species. Introducing unknown or invasive plants can spread pests, diseases, and weeds that threaten crops and landscapes.

Pender County Cooperative Extension will coordinate proper handling and reporting of any suspected seed packets in cooperation with state and federal agricultural officials.

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact their local NC Cooperative Extension office.