New fund aimed at bolstering Michigan potato industry launched

A new fund designed to protect and invest in Michigan’s $2.5 billion potato industry is now open for donations.

The Michigan Potato Legacy Fund, announced by Potato Growers of Michigan Inc. (PGMI), is a donor-advised, grower-led fund that will focus on Michigan potato research and advancement, safeguarding existing research, investing in next-generation tools and facilities, and focusing studies on growers’ needs, according to a news release.

At the Rooted in Progress Summit in June 2024, Michigan growers identified a common need for sustained research funding as key researchers approach retirement and infrastructure requires reinvestment, according to the release.

“The Michigan Potato Legacy Fund will protect the future of the state’s potato sector and the family farms who call Michigan home,” said PGMI president Dennis Iott. “This grower-led initiative was created to solve grower-identified research gaps in the industry. We’re committed to keeping our $2.5 billion industry thriving for generations to come; the legacy fund is the next step on that mission.”

The fund is administered through the Fremont Area Community Foundation.

Donors can make non-cash contributions through planned gifts such as life insurance, real estate and personal property, as well as securities.

Additional information is available online.