Mutsu City has embarked on an exciting journey to establish a new specialty product with the inaugural shipment of potatoes designated for potato chip production. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for local farmers and the agricultural landscape in the region.
In a ceremony held on September 19, Mutsu City celebrated the first shipment of these specially cultivated potatoes, which were planted this year by four local producers, including agricultural corporations. This initiative aims to position Mutsu City as a notable contributor to the potato processing industry. The harvesting process began earlier this month, culminating in this ceremonial event.
Takahashi Yoshihisa, a representative of the producers, expressed pride in their achievement, stating, “This is our first experience producing processing potatoes. Although it involved a lot of trial and error, we are thrilled to have successfully made our first shipment. We are committed to developing Mutsu City’s new specialty products.”
The ceremony featured a symbolic ribbon-cutting event, attended by local producers and Mayor Yamamoto Tomoya, who expressed his optimism for the project. Following the celebration, a truck loaded with approximately seven tons of potatoes departed, marking a significant achievement for the city’s agricultural sector.
All potatoes produced for processing will be shipped to a company in Tochigi Prefecture, where they are set to be transformed into potato chips for sale in Mutsu City and surrounding areas next month. Mayor Yamamoto highlighted the potential for increased recognition of Mutsu City through this initiative, stating, “As these potatoes are processed, I hope Mutsu’s name appears somewhere, contributing to the city’s promotion.”
The launch of potato chip production in Mutsu City represents a promising development in local agriculture, fostering economic growth and community pride. This venture not only diversifies the region’s agricultural products but also creates new opportunities for farmers and strengthens the local economy. As Mutsu City continues to innovate and expand its agricultural offerings, it sets a precedent for similar initiatives across Japan.
