Bill to Protect Potato Crops gets Signed into Law

(Colorado State Capitol, May 1, 2024) -- Today, SB24-137, Planting of Uncertified Potatoes, sponsored by Representative Richard Holtorf (R-Akron) was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis. 

“Potato growers are a big part of the agricultural landscape in House District 63,” said Rep. Holtorf. “This is a grassroots bill borne by potato growers to maintain a healthy and marketable product world wide. I am proud to be on this bill supporting agriculture,” added Holtorf. 

The planting of uncertified potatoes can spread disease to certified potatoes and adversely affect harvests, which this bill aims to prevent. It adds certain testing requirements a potato grower must follow in order to protect certified potato crops. 

The bill amends the Colorado Seed Potato Act, mandating that growers must submit non-certified potato seed stock to the certifying authority, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), for testing before any planting. The CDA must determine if the uncertified potato seed stock meets standards as established by the Commissioner of Agriculture.