National Farmers Union Scotland warn of unsolicited seeds sent from China and Singapore

The seeds are part of a likely scam the union says

Seeds have been arriving at Scottish households but could be part of a scam

National Farmers Union Scotland (NFU) have warned that significant numbers of Scottish households have been receiving unsolicited packets of seeds in the post from China and Singapore which are part of a likely scam.

Following contact with Scottish Government, the NFU urges those receiving seeds to leave the packet sealed and not to plant or compost them.

It is possible that these seeds could be a harmful invasive species or harbour a disease both of which if released could pose a threat to agriculture and the environment.

Anyone who receives them are asked not to handle the seeds as they may have been treated with a chemical pesticide. If the seeds have been touched without gloves, NFU advises to wash your hands.

Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) is collecting these unsolicited packets of seeds for analysis and is asking for co-operation from the public to send these seeds to SASA.

Email your details and a postal address to [email protected] and you will be sent a pre-paid self-addressed envelope and zip-lock bag.

When you receive the envelope and zip-lock bag senders are asked to insert the packet of seeds into the zip-lock bag and seal then place the zip-lock bag and contents into the envelope and post it back to SASA.

If you receive further unsolicited packages, please report them again using [email protected]

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