{"id":289608,"date":"2020-12-10T11:11:14","date_gmt":"2020-12-10T01:11:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=289608"},"modified":"2020-12-10T22:27:54","modified_gmt":"2020-12-10T12:27:54","slug":"risky-seeds-keep-arriving-in-mail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2020\/12\/10\/risky-seeds-keep-arriving-in-mail\/","title":{"rendered":"Risky Seeds Keep Arriving In Mail"},"content":{"rendered":"
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An example of a packet of unsolicited seeds which arrived in the mail … the seeds are a potential biosecurity risk and should never be planted (Photo: Dept of Agriculture)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

December 10, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n

There have been more reports of people receiving unsolicited packets of seeds in the mail, risking Australia’s agricultural industries and environment.<\/p>\n

The Federal Department of Agriculture says 45,000 risky seed parcels have been intercepted at Australia\u2019s international mail centres in 2020.<\/p>\n

Acting Chief Plant Protection Officer Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith said seeds were the most commonly intercepted biosecurity risk item at mail centres and this year made up 75 per cent of the total interceptions though the mail.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a concern for Australia, as seeds that arrive from overseas and do not comply with our biosecurity conditions can carry a range of risks,” Dr Vivian-Smith said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis includes invasive species or harmful plant diseases that could threaten backyard gardens, agriculture industries and the environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere has also continued to be ongoing reports of unsolicited seeds being received through the mail, with more than 260 reports so far.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThese reports are important and demonstrate the vital role the community plays in identifying and reporting biosecurity risks.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnsolicited seeds from overseas could also carry significant threats, so it is vital that they are reported to allow us to undertake the necessary investigations.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you receive unsolicited seeds through the mail, do your part to support Australia\u2019s biosecurity and report it immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeds that arrive unsolicited in the mail should never be planted.<\/p>\n

To report a potential biosecurity breach visit\u00a0awe.gov.au\/report<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or call 1800-798-636.<\/p>\n