Packets of “mystery seeds” sent to thousands of people across the U.S. last year have prompted a federal agency to provide additional guidance for online seed sales.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it found no evidence someone was trying to harm agriculture when they sent the seeds last summer.
After an investigation, USDA concluded the seeds were likely part of an internet scam to help an online seller’s search results.
People in numerous states reported receiving the mystery seeds, and local agriculture officials say homeowners in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County received the shipments as well.
