The production of snap beans, sweet corn and green peas for processing in Wisconsin are expected to increase this year when compared to 2014. The Midwest Food Processors Association said recent projections by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistical Service indicate that contracted snap bean production is forecast at 320,540 tons for 2015, up six percent from last year. This would result in the largest snap bean crop since 2009.
Wisconsin leads the nation in the production of snap beans processing 46 percent of the nation's crop. Contracted sweet corn for processing production is anticipated to total 571,140 tons, up five percent from 2014. The state ranks third nationally in processing sweet corn and its production is heavily concentrated in the upper Midwest. Wisconsin's sweet corn industry produces an annual state economic impact of nearly $130 million when the crop is processed.
Meanwhile, the production of processing green peas in Wisconsin is expected to jump ten percent to 77,600 tons, which would be the largest pea crop since 2009. Wisconsin maintains a third place ranking nationally in the production of green peas for processing. Green peas are among the most common vegetables present in processed foods.
The Midwest region of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois produces more than 45 percent of the U.S. supply of processed vegetables, with a wholesale value close to $2 billion dollars.
