Ag News: Seed Packets Scam and Meth Found in Produce at Border

**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 USDA says it found no evidence someone was trying to harm agriculture when they sent the seeds last summer.

USDA concluded the seeds were likely part of an internet scam to help an online seller’s search results.

**Agricultural Retailers Association President and CEO Daren Coppock says he’s pleased with the confirmation of Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

He tells www.agrimarketing.com, his experience will allow him to hit the ground running without the learning curve others would have faced.

Coppock says Vilsack has a history of commitment to and understanding of the value of fundamental agricultural issues like expanding free trade, protecting crops and livestock from invasive pests and pathogens, and the need to continually advance science, technology and agricultural practices.

www.agrimarketing.com/s/135057

**U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas discovered $11.5 million worth of methamphetamine in a shipment of mixed fresh produce from Mexico.

According to www.thepacker.com, the tractor/trailer carrying a commercial shipment of mixed produce arrived at the cargo facility February 21st and an officer referred it for further inspection.

An examination showed the narcotics hidden within the trailer’s floor, and CBP officers removed all 305 packages.

www.thepacker.com/news/transportation/115-million-meth-found-produce-shipment?mkt/