In a recent revelation by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, the economic significance of Michigan’s potato supply chain has been underscored, with an estimated value of $2.5 billion. Executive Director Dr. Kelly Turner highlighted potatoes as the state’s second-largest produce commodity in terms of both volume and value, emphasizing the substantial impact of the industry on Michigan’s economy.
Commissioner Phil Gusmano, also the Vice President of Purchasing at a Detroit-based snack foods company, lauded the efficiency of Michigan’s potato supply chain, noting the strong relationships between growers and processors. He emphasized the reliability of potato supply over the past five years, attributing it to the positive collaboration between stakeholders.
Furthermore, Michigan stands as the leading supplier of chipping potatoes in the nation, with approximately 70% of the state’s production dedicated to chip production. Gusmano highlighted that Michigan potatoes fill one out of every four bags of chips manufactured in the United States, illustrating the significant contribution of Michigan’s potato supply to the snack food industry.
Ryan Norton, Chair of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission and Farm Manager at Walther Farms, provided additional insights into the composition of Michigan’s potato production. He noted that fresh potatoes constitute 20% of Michigan’s overall production, with seed production and processing each contributing an additional 5%.
This announcement comes after officials shared the findings of an economic impact report, highlighting the vital role of Michigan’s potato supply chain in driving economic growth and stability in the state.
