Did you know that potatoes are one of the biggest and most important crops for the state of Michigan? We didn’t, either! But a recent study highlights just how many potatoes are grown here, and how important those spuds are to the state’s economy.
Here are Five Fast Facts on Michigan’s potatoes:
- 📝 The Study - The study was conducted by a team of economists from Michigan State University on behalf of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission. The results show good news, but it’s hard to understate just how good it is!
- 💰 Big Money - Potatoes generate around $2.5 billion for the state! About $1.5 billion of that is direct economic activity in the form of growing, processing, wholesaling, and retailing various potato products. Another $1 billion comes from indirect economic activity in related industries or consumption. Wait, we can get paid for just eating potatoes??
- 🚜 Big Jobs - In total, the Michigan potato industry provides almost 22,000 jobs, generating wages around $832 million for Michiganders across the state. Woo-hoo, that’s a lot of great Paychecks!
- 🍎 Number Two - Each year, Michigan produces almost 2 billion pounds of potatoes! That’s the second largest commodity in the state, behind only apples. Boo, apples! They get all the good press.
- 🥔 Chip Off The Ol’ Block - Around 70% of the potatoes produced in the state are used specifically in making potato chips. One out of every four bags of potato chips in the US has Michigan potatoes in it!
🔥Bottom line: Next time you rip open that bag of Ruffles, share some of these great new bits of trivia! Maybe your stunning knowledge will allow you to not share any of those yummy, salty, Michigan-y chips!
What’s your favorite style or flavor of potato chips?
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