Suspect seeds set for destruction in the Territory

Region: Greater Darwin, Katherine Region, Barkly Region, Central Australia | Topic: Biosecurity
Sep 2020

Seeds in the mailTerritorians are being reminded to be biosecurity aware, following cases of unsolicited packets of seeds being received through the mail.

The seed packets have been arriving from Asia, predominantly from China, Malaysia and Taiwan, at addresses around Australia since August, prompting biosecurity fears. The origin, variety and sender of the seeds is unknown.

If you receive seeds in the mail that you did not purchase, do not plant the seeds or put them in the bin. Report it to the Plant Pests Hotline on 1800 084 881. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade is managing the collection of the seeds with drop off locations available across the Territory. Territorians are encouraged to complete a seed analysis and destruction submission form, however drop offs can also be made anonymously at seed collection points.

Imported seeds that do not meet biosecurity conditions can threaten our environment, agricultural industries and our backyard gardens. They can also carry invasive species or harmful plant diseases.

We all need to do our part to safeguard Australia from biosecurity pests and diseases.

More information

For more information on managing suspicious seeds visit the NT Government website.

Back to NT Rural Review - September 2020