May 27, 2024Michigan shining spotlight on spuds June 5
The Michigan potato industry, which contributes $2.5 billion annually to the economy of the nation’s eighth-largest potato-producing state, will be celebrated June 5 during Potato Day at the Capitol.
The event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the north atrium of Heritage Hall at the capitol building in Lansing, will feature Michigan-based food and beverage producers Better Made Snack Foods, Downey’s Potato Chips, and North River Vodka.
“The Michigan potato industry plays a large role in providing potatoes for Americans,” Kelly Turner, executive director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission and Spudman’s 2024 Spudwoman of the Year, told Michigan Farm News. “We are excited to share that information and to help people express their love of our product, whether that product is in the form of fresh potatoes, canned potatoes, potato chips or potato vodka.”
Michigan produces approximately 1.9 billion pounds of potatoes each year and ranks No. 1 in potatoes produced for the chip industry. One out of every four U.S.-produced bags of potato chips contains Michigan-grown potatoes.
“Michigan potatoes help to keep the state economy strong, and we can’t wait to share our enthusiasm with others for generations to come,” Turner said.
A report released in February found that the potato supply chain supports around 21,700 jobs in the state, generating about $832 million in wages.
