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Michigan Bean Commission urges lawmakers to help ease logistics, expand institutional use of dry beans
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Summary
Joe Kramer, executive director of the Michigan Bean Commission, told the Excelsior Committee the state grows about 250,000 acres of dry beans, led by black beans, and asked lawmakers to consider policies to ease logistics, boost processing capacity and expand institutional procurement.
Joe Kramer, executive director of the Michigan Bean Commission, told the Excelsior Committee that Michigan's dry-bean industry spans roughly 1,100 growers and about 250,000 acres, with black beans comprising nearly two-thirds of that acreage.
"I'm the executive director of the Michigan Bean Commission. On behalf of Michigan's more than 1,100 dry bean farmers, thank you for the opportunity to spotlight our industry this morning," Kramer said. He defined dry beans as edible beans other than soybeans and said Michigan grows at least eight classes, including black, navy, small red, kidney and pinto beans.
Kramer outlined the commission's mission, established by Public Act 114 of 1965, to fund agronomic research and promotion that improve grower incomes. He said Michigan leads the nation in black-bean production, is a top producer of several other classes and estimated about 10% of the state's dry-bean acreage is organic.
"We have about 250,000 acres of dry beans in Michigan. Black beans are almost two thirds of that total," Kramer said. He described the industry's export markets (Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Caribbean markets) and noted roughly one-third of production is exported.
During questions from committee members Kramer identified logistics as the industry's principal constraint. "I would say our single the biggest single, challenge for our industry might be logistics," he said, citing a short-line railroad that needs repair and difficulties moving beans from fields to processors and shipping points.
Kramer also discussed seed and research. He said more than 90% of seed planted in Michigan is produced in western states such as Idaho and Washington, though some Michigan companies own processing or seed facilities in those regions. He credited Michigan State University's breeding program and researchers such as the late Dr. James Kelly for structural improvements that allowed mechanical harvesting and higher yields.
In response to a question about trace minerals, Kramer said on-farm soil and tissue testing and lab analysis of beans are routine but that he could not speak specifically to selenium testing at the university level: "I don't know that I can speak to selenium in particular," he said.
Committee members and Kramer discussed potential policy levers. Kramer suggested state support that would help the industry access institutional markets (for example, serving Michigan-grown beans in school feeding programs), and noted interest in light processing and food hubs to reduce shipping costs and make local production more viable for institutions. Kramer said some canners outside Michigan are already in conversation with school-food programs to bridge minor processing challenges.
The committee took no formal policy votes on the presentation. Representative Koontz moved to excuse absent members before adjournment; with no objection the motion passed and the committee adjourned.
The presentation and questions provided committee members with a summary of production, research partnerships and the main constraint—transport logistics—that lawmakers said they could explore further.
