MI HB5227

Requires persons distributing combined seed lots sufficient to plant 1 or more acres to distribute only certified seed potatoes beginning January 1, 2021, with exceptions for growers with permission to plant uncertified seed under specified conditions.

Mandates that all distributed seed potato lots be accompanied by official certification tags, certificates of shipping point inspection, and North American plant health certificates if imported, documenting grade, field inspections, field year, and certification standards.

Establishes a 5-member seed potato advisory committee to advise the director on rules, determine seed potato availability, recommend permission for uncertified plantings during supply shortages, and assist in administration and enforcement.

Requires potato growers cultivating 1 acre or greater to notify the director by January 1 annually and maintain records for 2 years; director shall conduct records reviews on at least 10% of growers annually to verify acreage, cultivar, and seed source documentation.

Authorizes administrative fines ranging from $2,500 per violation, $20-$100 per acre for planting or distributing violations, and $500-$1,000 for record-keeping failures, with collected fines credited to the agriculture licensing and inspection fees fund.