The Michigan potato industry accounts for about 3,400 jobs and an approximately $550 million annual contribution to the state’s economy. And, according to Mike Wenkel, manager of Potato Growers of Michigan, producers are increasingly committed to wise water management and soil health to ensure the long-term vitality of the industry.
“Soil health is a major management and research focus,” Wenkel says. “[Growers always ask], how do practices like crop rotation, tillage and fertilizer applications affect the soil microbes vital to productive soils?”
As for water stewardship, most of Michigan’s 46,000 potato acres are irrigated and monitored by high-tech tools that measure rate, pressure and moisture levels to ensure water is used as efficiently as possible.
Potato growers also support voluntary environmental programs, including the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program and the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program.
In addition to environmental and economic sustainability, the potato industry boasts several farm operations now in the fourth generation of family ownership, Wenkel says—a true measure of socio-cultural sustainability.
While fresh market potatoes are readily available to consumers, “about 70 percent of Michigan-produced potatoes are processed into chips,” Wenkel says. “In fact, one in four bags of all chips in the U.S. is made from Michigan potatoes.”
Major “Pure Michigan” processors are familiar names to Michiganders: Better Made, Uncle Ray’s and Great Lakes Potato Chips.
Recently, Michigan potato growers overwhelmingly approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, formed to promote the potato industry through research, promotion, advertising and market development. The program must be renewed every five years. The current assessment rate is established annually by the commission. Growers now pay a 5½-cent fee for every 100 pounds sold, and first handlers pay 1½ cents per hundredweight.
Wenkel, who also serves as executive director of the commission, says market development activities include expanding exports to venues like Central America.
“About 20 percent of all U.S. potato production goes for export,” Wenkel says, “and we are working very closely with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to continue to look for new markets for Michigan potatoes.”
Source: WKAR Radio