Michigan State Awarded Grant To “Enhance Potato Breeding” Uh-huh

Believe it or not - Michigan is the number ONE state in the U.S. when it comes to potato varieties used in the production of potato chips. Last year, Michigan was number six in overall potato production. And a grant given to Michigan State University should help solidify our place as lords of the potato chip. (I know - that might be overly dramatic) This grant will enable MSU to develop even more nutritious potato chips.

Michigan State just received a $700,000 grant from the USDA for their potato breeding and genetics program. According to MSU Today, Dave Douches, director of the MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics Program has led the program for nearly 30 years. In that time, the program has been responsible for developing nearly 30 new varieties of potatoes, including their latest - Blackberry, a purple colored variety that took more than 20 years to develop. It is resistant to potato scab and has high antioxidant levels.

Always important (IMO) when it comes to breeding.

Here's the story.