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The Michigan Potato Industry Commission released a new report detailing the impact of the potato industry on the state’s economy.
Executive Director Kelly Turner with the Michigan Potato Industry Commission shared some highlights during a press call Tuesday.
“Potatoes are a major source of revenue, not only for the potato growers in the state, but for businesses and communities across the state. Secondly, the report highlights the industry’s positive impact on creating jobs both for rural and urban workers,” Turner said. “So finally, the report demonstrates that potatoes are a major agricultural commodity here in Michigan, a fact that sometimes flies under the radar, much to our chagrin.”
Meanwhile, the Commission is sending a team of potato growers to Washington, DC, to talk with lawmakers about their priorities next week. Turner says one issue is how potatoes fit into a healthy diet for school kids.
“We find it a little bit silly that there are some groups that are trying to limit the use of potatoes in school breakfast and lunch programs, especially given that potatoes are kind of a gateway vegetable to other vegetables,” Turner said. “If you mix in spinach or other vegetables in with potatoes, kids are more likely to try it. I don’t know of many Americans out there who eat spinach for breakfast or other vegetables, but you definitely see potatoes on the plate. So, we’re going to continue to push to make sure that potatoes are seen as the nutrient dense vegetable which they are, and that all Americans have to them as well.”
The newly released report shows that potatoes are Michigan’s second-largest specialty crop commodity—behind only apples.