News on The Potato Supply Chain from Michigan

MSU professors Jiming Jiang and David Douches. (Courtesy: MSU)

February 27, 2024

Michigan State University researchers further unravel the mechanism of cold induced sweetening in potatoes

Michigan State University professors Jiming Jiang and David Douches has discovered a key mechanism behind the darkening and potential health concerns associated with cold-stored potatoes. 

Michigan Potato Industry Commission to Release Report on the Potato Industry’s Economic Impact on the State

February 23, 2024

Chipping Potato Capital of the US: Potatoes contribute USD 2.5 Billion to Michigan’s Economy

Michigan-grown spuds deliver a pile of economic activity, generating more than USD 2.5 billion to the state’s GDP and supporting around 21,700 Michigan jobs, according to a report released today by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission.

December 22, 2023

Michigan Winter Potato Conference attendees can tour nearby facilities

As part of the 2024 Michigan Winter Potato Conference in East Lansing, attendees get a tour of nearby facilities. There are four options from which to choose.

Zsofia Szendrei, professor in MSU's Department of Entomology

November 13, 2023

Research team led by MSU scientist receives USD 6 million USDA grant to study pest-management strategies for potato systems

A research team has received a USD 6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to study insect pest management strategies for United States potato production systems.

June 28, 2023

Soil Erosion: A Looming Threat to Farmers

Soil erosion, a natural process exacerbated by human activities, poses a significant challenge to agricultural sustainability worldwide. This relentless force gradually strips away fertile topsoil, leaving a devastating impact on farmers and the environment.

MPIC names 2023 commissioners, Gusmano to serve as chair

January 06, 2023

Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) names Gusmano to serve as chair

Gusmano and Ryan Norton of Walther Farms were elected chair and vice-chair, respectively, during the MPIC meeting in East Lansing on Dec. 15, 2022.

April 07, 2022

Downeys Potato Chips prepares for Growth with Upgraded Vanmark Equipment

Downey’s Potato Chips has been in business for 37 years. The company was started by the Downey family in Waterford, Michigan. From its humble beginnings selling freshly fried kettle chips made in small batches from its storefront.

September 30, 2021

Breeding beetle-resistant potatoes

In a new study, published in Crop Science, researchers describe genetic tools to develop potato varieties with improved natural resistance to the Colorado potato beetle

May 20, 2021

Northern Michigan potato farm plans to rebuild after devastating fire

A fire at Kitchen Farms destroyed several buildings at the family-owned business in Antrim County between Mancelona and Boyne Falls Monday. More than 20 fire departments from five counties responded to the fire that began at about 10:30 a.m.

December 21, 2020

World Potato Congress January 14, 2021 Webinar with Todd Forbush

The World Potato Congress has announced its next webinar for Thursday, January 14, 2021 with Todd Forbush, Engineer with Techmark, Inc.

April 27, 2020

Potato brown rot bacteria found in Michigan greenhouse in Geraniums

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (RSr3b2) in a single variety of geranium plants located in a Michigan greenhouse.

April 16, 2020

MSU study focuses on controlling volunteer potatoes

Volunteer potatoes are difficult to control. Currently, there are no herbicides available that will completely control volunteer potatoes and significantly reduce the number of daughter tubers produced per plant.

WPC Webinar - January 24, 2020 with Dr. David Douches

January 13, 2020

World Potato Congress Webinar: January 24, 2020 with Dr. David Douches

The World Potato Congress (WPC) continues with its webinar series in its 2020 on January 24, with a webinar featuring Dr. David Douches of 'Feed the Future – Biotechnology Potato Partnership'

December 10, 2019

Great Lakes Potato Chip Co offers Purple Blackberry potato chips for its 10 year anniversary

If you are living in Michigan or nearby, Purple potato chips could be on shelves at a grocery store near you this holiday season, thanks to a collaboration between Michigan State University researchers and Traverse City-based Great Lakes Potato Chip Co.

David Douches Ph.D. Professor, Director of MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics Program

April 29, 2019

Michigan State University develops new potato varieties for countries far and wide

David Douches, a professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and director of the MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics Program, has been at the forefront of the potato’s transition as people get more adventurous with their eating habits.

July 01, 2018

Tong Engineering opens US office to build on its export success

Tong Engineering, UK manufacturer of advanced potato and vegetable handling equipment, is pleased to announce International expansion with the opening of a new Tong USA spares, service and sales facility based in Fremont, Michigan.

Analyzing the genes of ancient potatoes helps to improve future varieties

November 01, 2017

Analyzing the genes of ancient potatoes helps to improve future potato varieties

Examining the ancestors of the modern, North American cultivated potato has revealed a set of common genes and important genetic pathways that have helped potatoes adapt over thousands of years.