The Midwest Food Products Association (MWFPA) today touted United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) figures showing the Badger State maintained its Number One ranking nationally in production of processing snap beans during 2022. The rankings may be viewed at nass.usda.gov.
The production of snap beans for processing in Wisconsin totaled 305,996 tons and was valued at $49.6 million for the year – keeping the state first nationally in production ahead of New York, Michigan, Florida, and Oregon. Growers in Wisconsin were presented with near-ideal conditions throughout much of last year’s growing season.
“Food processing is strongly tied to agriculture. Wisconsin perennially places among the top five states in growing and processing crops such as potatoes, sweet corn, peas, snap beans, carrots, cucumbers and cabbage for sauerkraut,” according to Jason Culotta, president of MWFPA.
Snap beans are typically harvested while still in their pods. They are rich in vitamins, containing vitamins A, C, and K, and are a great source of micronutrients such as iron and potassium while also containing trace amounts of protein.
Wisconsin also maintained its third-place ranking for processing sweet corn in 2022, producing 483,336 tons at a value of $52.7 million. The production of sweet corn for processing is heavily concentrated in the Midwest, with Minnesota ranking first in the nation ahead of Washington.
Wisconsin is a major food processor hosting companies with national and international name recognition. Its vegetable industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy.
