Renewed warning over unsolicited seed packets arriving in the post

The Department of Agriculture has received 32 reports to date of unsolicited seed packets from members of the public, Minister Dara Calleary confirmed.

These seeds have originated from China and Vanuatu in the South Pacific, and have contained rapeseed, petunia, kiwi and bamboo.

However, he warned these unregulated seeds could prove to be invasive and contain diseases - and could affect our agricultural industry and biodiversity.

All of these seeds will be destroyed.

Minister Calleary issued a renewed warning to members of the public not to open an unsolicited packet of seed received in the post.

Instead, email his department to dispose of the package at plantimports@agriculture.gov.ie