Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
Read MoreThe Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has been notified that several Ohio residents have received unsolicited packages in the mail containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. The types of seeds in the packages are currently unknown and may contain invasive plant species. Similar seed packets have been received recently in several other locations across the United States.
If a package of this type is received, please DO NOT plant these seeds. If they are in sealed packaging, do not open the sealed package. Report the seeds to ODA online here or contact the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Anti-smuggling Hotline by calling 800-877-3835 or by emailing [email protected]. Also, if possible, please retain the original packaging, as that information may be useful to trade compliance officers as they work through this issue.
“At this time, we don’t have any evidence indicating this is something other than a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales,” USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service said in a stakeholder notice. “USDA is currently collecting seed packages from recipients and will test their contents and determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment.”
Unsolicited seeds could be invasive species, contain noxious weeds, could introduce diseases to local plants or could be harmful to livestock. Invasive species and noxious weeds can displace native plants and increase costs of food production. ODA and APHIS work to prevent the introduction of invasive species and protect Ohio agriculture. All foreign seeds shipped to the United States should have a phytosanitary certificate which guarantees the seeds meet important requirements.
Keep up with the latest information regarding this investigation.
Attached are two examples of the unsolicited seed packets that can be used by the media.
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
Read More
The online application period is open now, until June 30, for those who would like to apply to be featured on the America 250-Ohio Agritourism Trail.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau testified in support of House Bill 773, legislation that would allow Ohio Turnpike travel plazas to offer E15.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau is accepting applications for AgriPOWER Class XVII, its leadership and advocacy development program. Application deadline is Aug. 1, 2026.
Read More
Annually, the foundation recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.
Read More
Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent decision to pause consideration of any new data center tax exemption requests, through the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, comes as the Ohio General Assembly’s Joint Data Center Study Committee looks at the growth of data centers in Ohio.
Read More
Farm Bureau members are invited to participate June 1-7 in American Farm Bureau’s Summer Cookout Survey of retail food prices commonly used to prepare a cookout meal for 10 people.
Read More
Ohio’s electric distribution cooperatives will continue to support local economic growth, and that includes data centers that locate within their territories, but they’re committed to ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of current members.
Read More
Industry professionals, community members, and golf enthusiasts are invited to take part in the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational June 22 at Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City.
Read More
Growing our Generation e-newsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and agricultural professionals. Sign up to get…
Read More