MSU and Michigan Potatoes Drive Innovation in Chips

By Andi Anderson

At Michigan State University, potatoes are more than just a food crop — they form the foundation of a thriving research and education network. This collaboration links students, scientists, growers, processors, and support staff in an effort to make Michigan a national leader in potato innovation.

Recently, Michigan Potatoes and MSU organized an educational visit to the Better Made Snacks factory in Detroit. The event brought together members from the Potato and Sugar Beet Pathology Program, the Potato Breeding and Genetics Program, and PSM’s Main Office. Visitors observed firsthand how six to eight truckloads of Michigan-grown potatoes transform into packaged chips in just 12 to 15 minutes.

“Varietal development is so important — we can’t overstate the value of the relationship between MSU and the industry,” said Phil Gusmano, Vice President of Purchasing at Better Made Snack Foods, a Detroit-based company who sources 300,000 to 400,000 pounds of potatoes daily, mostly from Michigan farms. Thanks to MSU’s innovations, the storage life of Michigan potatoes now extends from ten months — October through July — significantly improving efficiency and quality.

Michigan ranks as the eighth-largest potato-producing state, with around 50,000 acres devoted to the crop. About 75 percent of the harvest goes to chip production, and a quarter of all U.S. potato chips start from Michigan seed potatoes.

Researchers like Dr. Jaime Willbur and Dr. Sydney Everhart of MSU’s Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences Department lead efforts in disease control and varietal performance testing. Their work, alongside breeders like Joe Coombs and Dr. Dave Douches, helps ensure Michigan’s growers can meet changing conditions and market needs.

Through collaboration, research, and community, MSU and Michigan’s potato partners continue to strengthen the industry — ensuring every bag of chips reflects the best of local agriculture, innovation, and sustainability.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-npantos