Mike Phillips of Walther Farms will serve as chair of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) in 2025.
Phillips and Ryan Pelletier, also of Walther Farms, were elected chair and vice-chair, respectively, during the MPIC meeting in East Lansing on Dec. 18, 2024. The current list of MPIC commissioners includes:
- Mike Phillips, Portage (chair)
- Ryan Pelletier, Three Rivers (vice-chair)
- Ryan Norton, Vicksburg (immediate past chair)
- Phil Gusmano, Detroit
- Travis Horkey, Dundee
- Dale Johnson, Sagola
- Matt Skogman, Foster City
Michigan ranks among the top eight potato-producing states in the U.S. annually. Michigan produces more chipping potatoes than any other state. Approximately 70 percent of Michigan-grown potatoes go to the chipping industry, with 20 percent going to the fresh market, 5 percent to other processing industries, and 5 percent are used as seed potatoes.
In early 2024, a report compiled by agricultural economists at Michigan State University revealed that Michigan’s potato sector supplies $2.5 billion in impact to the state’s annual economy, including $1.5 billion in direct impact. That report can be found at www.mipotato.com/NoSmallPotatoes.
In 2011, Mike Phillips joined Walther Farms – a multi-state operation based in Michigan that produces chipping, fresh and seed potatoes. He currently serves as the operation’s supply manager, and previously was its shipping and storage manager. Phillips participated in the national Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) program in 2022 and was elected to serve as PILI’s Grower Leader in 2023.
“It’s been an honor to serve on the commission the past three years, and it’s an even bigger honor to be chosen to serve as chair,” Phillips said. “Food production continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and it’s imperative that we come together to make sure the potato sector is at the forefront of that evolution.”
Ryan Pelletier, an agronomist and manager for Walther Farms, will serve as vice-chair in 2025. He participated in PILI in 2023.
MPIC was formed in 1970 by the Michigan legislature as the state’s potato research, promotion, and education organization. Dr. Kelly Turner is the executive director.
For more information, visit www.mipotatoindustry.com.