Michigan potato industry tells House Agriculture Committee it produces $2.5 billion in annual economic activity

Kelly Turner, a representative of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission and the Potato Growers of Michigan, told the Michigan House Agriculture Committee that an economic-impact study conducted with Michigan State University found the potato industry contributes about $2.5 billion a year to the state economy, including roughly $1.5 billion in direct activity from growing, processing, wholesaling and retail sales.

The study, Turner said, shows Michigan is the eighth-largest potato producer by volume and sixth by sales in the United States and produces higher-value potatoes on average. "We're cooler than we thought we were," Turner said, summarizing the commission's reaction to the results.

The report and committee testimony underscored the industry's role as a statewide employer and buyer for processors. Callie Bagley, owner-operator of a kettle chip company in Waterford, said Michigan potatoes are widespread in the snack supply chain: "One in every four bags of chips across the United States contains Michigan potatoes," she said, and urged continued…