Mystery seeds mailed to U.S. residents from overseas (Michigan Department Of Agriculture And Rural Development)
| Multi Request | Mystery seeds mailed to U.S. residents from overseas |
| Submitted | Aug. 5, 2020 |
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Communications
From: Adrianne Jeffries
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:
According to a press release, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) received multiple reports of consumers receiving unsolicited packages of seeds in the mail that appear to be sent from China and other countries. The press release reported that MDARD is working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate the situation and asked consumers to fill out an online form:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1572_28248_50968-535217--,00.html
I'm seeking copies of the responses submitted through the "Reporting of Receipt of Unsolicited Seeds" form by consumers.
I am a reporter and this request is made for newsgathering.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Adrianne Jeffries
From: Michigan Department Of Agriculture And Rural Development
Dear Ms. Jeffries and Mr. Koebler -
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is aware of your FOIA requests regarding information relative to the mysterious seed issue across the U.S. MDARD would like to schedule time with you to discuss the requests to see if there are ways to narrow the scope to be able to provide them as affordably as possible.
Would you have some time next week to have a call with MDARD's Director of Legal Affairs and myself?
Thank you,
Jen
Jennifer Holton, APR
Director of Communications
MI Dept. of Agriculture & Rural Development
E: holtonj@michigan.gov<mailto:holtonj@michigan.gov>
M: 517-242-2575
D: 517-284-5724
From: Michigan Department Of Agriculture And Rural Development
Good Afternoon Ms. Jeffries, attached is our response to your FOIA request.
Thank you,
Jamie Guardiola
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Office of Legal Affairs and Emergency Management
PO Box 30017
Lansing, Michigan 48909
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~WRD0001
From: Michigan Department Of Agriculture And Rural Development
Good Afternoon Ms. Jeffries, attached is our response to your FOIA request.
Thank you,
Jamie Guardiola
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Office of Legal Affairs and Emergency Management
PO Box 30017
Lansing, Michigan 48909
From: Adrianne Jeffries
Hi,
Thanks so much for your help with this request! I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Adrianne Jeffries
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08/17/2020
REDACTED_Reporting of Receipt of Unsolicited Seeds 8-13-20_Online Reporting Tool