Guidance Regarding How to Handle Unsolicited Seed Materials As some of you are aware of people receiving unsolicited seed packages, originating mostly from China. Currently, the USDA APHIS PPQ is drafting detailed guidance regarding how to handle unsolicited seed materials. In the meantime, if you receive or somebody brings you these seeds/packages, ship them to State Plant Health Director’s Office in Baton Rouge. Please make sure to wear gloves and facemask while handling the unsolicited seeds/packages. Please make sure to securely package seeds/package in a ziplock bag and then place them in a shipping envelope to avoid any spills. Ship the seeds to following address and forward tracking number to the State Plant Health Director’s Office email address. If you or the homeowner/stakeholder are unable to ship the seeds to the address below, please call (225) 925-4733 or email seed@ldaf.state.la.us with your information and an LDAF Inspector will come and collect the seeds/packages. State Plant Health Director USDA APHIS PPQ 4354 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. Suite 150 Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Tel: (225) 298-5410 Email to forward shipping tracking # pamela.s.schoen@usda.gov Should you have any questions, please let me know. Dr. Raghuwinder (Raj) Singh Associate Professor/Horticulture Pathology Extension Specialist Director, Plant Diagnostic Center LSU AgCenter Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Office: 434 Life Sciences Building Mailing Address: 302 Life Sciences Building LSU Campus, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Cell: 225-747-2367 Office: 225-578-4562 Email: rsingh@agcenter.lsu.edu Professional Profile: http://www.lsu.edu/agriculture/plant/about/faculty-staff/singh.php Webpage: www.lsuagcenter.com/plantdiagnostics Website: www.lsuagcenter.com