house resolution no.309

Reps. Leutheuser, Allor, Crawford, Lightner, Miller, Rendon, Sneller, Witwer and Wozniak offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare September 9, 2020, as Potato Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, This marks the 50th anniversary of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission; and

Whereas, The Michigan Potato Industry Commission was founded in 1970 by the Michigan Legislature and has made considerable contributions as the state’s leading organization on potato research, promotion, and education; and

Whereas, Agriculture is not only a key driver of Michigan’s economy, but also rural economies across the state. The potato industry is one that is vital to Michigan commerce, contributing over $1.2 billion to the state economy and accounting for more than 3,000 jobs in potato production and processing; and

Whereas, Michigan is the 8th largest potato-growing state in the nation, with over 80 potato growers planting 47,000 acres within 40 counties across the state each year. Our state is the largest grower of potatoes for potato chips in the nation, with 1 in every 4 bags of potato chips being made from Michigan-grown potatoes; and

Whereas, The continued efforts of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission will serve to grow and advance the well-being of Michigan potato growers and their industry at the state, national, and international levels; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 9, 2020, as Potato Day in the state of Michigan. We commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission; and be it further

 Resolved, That we salute the work of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission and thank them for their service to our state’s farmers and economy over the last half-century.