Lansing, MI, Tuesday, June 23, 2020 - Potato Growers of Michigan, Inc. Manager Kelly Turner and PGMI member Kevin Storm, along with written comments from member Don Kitchen, testified to the Joint House Committee on Agriculture and House Committee on Commerce and Tourism regarding the COVID-19 impact on the potato industry in the state. Turner spoke about how Michigan potato growers overcame challenges during the initial outbreak and the many ways that they navigated Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders to provide Michigan grown potatoes to consumers, a variety of processors, and area food banks.
“During the beginning stages of the outbreak we worked with Michigan grocers to help source potatoes for store shelves by connecting those retailers with growers who had potatoes, but no way to pack them. We were able to help get those potatoes packed at other facilities and on store shelves in a very short time” said Turner.
Kevin Storm spoke about how Walther Farm is still dealing with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shortages and the challenges the farm has faced regarding the Executive Order regarding the guest worker program.
“PPE shortages has been one of our most difficult challenges, you’d make an order and time after time those orders were canceled.” Storm said. Despite the challenges, he was proud of the work Walther Farm has accomplished during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Due to the social distancing and COVID-19 response measures we put in place we made it through planting season with zero incidents and we’re very proud of that.”
PGMI member Don Kitchen with Kitchen Farms in Elmira, MI added written testimony about his operation’s efforts to manage ever-changing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kitchen stressed the efforts the farm made to ensure the health of its employees in addition to the challenges they face with the fast-changing regulations due to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders, supply chain issues and working around the clock to meet the increased demand for fresh potatoes.