Dec 26, 2023Michigan Potato Industry Commission elects new chair
Ryan Norton, farm manager at Three Rivers-based Walther Farms, has been elected as chair of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission.
Norton, who served as vice chair of MPIC in 2023, was elected Dec. 14 during a commission meeting in East Lansing.
Mike Phillips, Walther Farms supply and quality manager, was elected as vice-chair. Immediate past chair Phil Gusmano of Detroit-based Better Made Snack Foods will continue his term as a commissioner in 2024.
“I am honored to be chosen by my peers as the elected chairman of the MPIC,” Norton said in a statement. “Leadership is something I have a strong passion for, and I’m excited for the opportunity to take the potato industry of Michigan in a direction that benefits everyone collectively.
“Working with my fellow commissioners and others in agriculture, I look forward to making our goals becoming a reality.”
The MPIC is working to fill an open MPIC seat. Commissioner Jon Yoder of Yoder Family Farms in Sturgis died earlier this year from injuries he sustained in an on-farm accident.
Michigan ranks among the top eight potato-producing states in the U.S. annually and produces more chipping potatoes than any other state. Approximately 70% of Michigan-grown potatoes go to the chipping industry, with 20% going to the fresh market, 5% to non-chip processing, and 5% seed.
MPIC was formed in 1970 by the Michigan legislature as the state’s potato research, promotion, and education organization.
The 2024 commission includes:
- Ryan Norton, Vicksburg (chair)
- Mike Phillips, Portage (vice-chair)
- Phil Gusmano, Detroit (past chair)
- Travis Horkey, Dundee
- Dale Johnson, Sagola
- Ryan Pelletier, Three Rivers
- Matt Skogman, Foster City
