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Please do not reply to this message. Thank You. To view the archives or join/leave TMG list: http://listserv.utk.edu/archives/tmg.html From: Bumgarner, Natalie Ruth <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 9:38 AM To: McCall, Wanda F <[log in to unmask]> Subject: For MG Listserv: TDA Statement and Guidance for Seeds Good morning all, We know that there have been several social media reports in the last few days about seeds arriving that were not ordered. In fact, we are starting to get reports from TN gardeners as well that they have received such envelopes. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is certainly aware of this issue and is in discussions with APHIS about proper procedures and next steps. We don't have complete information yet, but I wanted to forward this email from the Public Affairs Dept. at TDA to let you know what they know at this time. We'll pass along any additional information as it becomes available. Have a good week, Natalie From: Corinne Gould <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> Sent: Monday, July 27, 2020 9:35 AM Subject: TDA Statement and Guidance for Seeds Good morning. Please share this information among your staff and contacts as you see fit. For calls we receive, the most important information is highlighted. ------------------------------- We are aware that Tennessee citizens are receiving seeds in the mail from other countries that they did not order. Imported plant materials-including seeds-go through rigorous testing and inspection to ensure they are not carrying any disease or pests and do not pose any threat to our environment and health. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is working with our partners at USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to determine what should be done with these seeds. We expect to have more information soon. In the meantime, if you receive seeds you did not order, do not plant or handle them. Seal the seeds into two (2) plastic sandwich bags and hang onto them until we receive guidance from APHIS. You can also report to www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/sa_sitc/ct_antismuggling<http://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/sa_sitc/ct_antismuggling> Follow @TNAgriculture on Facebook and Twitter for updates. [Email Signature] CORINNE GOULD | Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs Department of Agriculture Ellington Agricultural Center 440 Hogan Road, Nashville, TN 37220 p. 615-837-5207 c. 615-598-1563 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> www.tn.gov/agriculture<http://www.tn.gov/agriculture> [facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/TNAgriculture/>[twitter]<https://twitter.com/TNAgriculture>[YouTube]<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcy9KqFvSPTUwDiRTaROR2Q?view_as=subscriber>[instagram]<https://www.instagram.com/tnagriculture/> All emails and attachments sent and received from this email address related to the official business of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture are subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act. Unless the content of an email or attachment is subject to a specific exception in the public records act, emails and attachments sent to and from this agency should be presumed to be open to public inspection and maintained pursuant to applicable retention requirements. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Did your email address change? Visit http://listserv.utk.edu/archives/tmg.html Remove your old email and add your new email address to continue receiving timely updates. To reduce pressure on your spam filter, please add this sender's email address to your contacts. Have you visited the Master Gardener Store? https://web.dii.utk.edu/agstore/c-49-master-gardener.aspx To view the archives or join/leave TMG list: http://listserv.utk.edu/archives/tmg.html