Michigan Potato Production to Expand
Michigan-
By ANUK Staff
2.28.13
Michigan is looking to expand its potato production.
The state’s cool, moist climate and deep, sandy and loamy soils have proven to be ideal for potato growth - the traditional crop is expanding. In the Northeastern Lower Peninsula, suitable farmland has remained dormant for years, according to the President of the Michigan Farm Bureau, Wayne Wood. “We are opening them up because we have the potato industry growing in Michigan and the land’s soil is productive for potatoes.”
“With the development of drought-tolerant technology in crops and Michigan’s fresh-water resources, we may see an expansion of potato acres in northeastern Michigan,” Wood said.
Horticulture Specialist at the Farm Bureau, Ken Nye said, “These areas have the right soil, climate and water capabilities for potato production.”
Michigan currently ranks eighth in the nation in terms of potato production according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The state grows roughly 42,300 acres of the crop.
According to the Michigan Potato Industry Commission based in DeWitt, Michigan is the national leader in the growing of chipping potatoes. Brands include Better Made and Uncle Ray’s in Detroit, Downey’s in Waterford and Great Lakes Potato Chip Co. in Traverse City.
Wood said, “There are many things in the pipeline, A $5 million investment has already made by Better Made to expand and upgrade their existing manufacturing facility, and there may be another Michigan chip company expanding.”
And Nye said, “We generally believe that if we could attract additional chip processors to Michigan, due to our quality, supply and improved business climate, we could achieve additional potato production opportunities.”
Nye said the potato industry is exemplar of how agriculture can help lead the way in providing jobs and economic growth in the state.
“It is very important that policymakers and business leaders see these opportunities and help create the ‘right’ business, employment, infrastructure and tax climate that will allow this growth to occur,” he said.
