The Troyer family, known for being one of Pennsylvania's largest potato growers and former owners of the Troyer Farms snack food company, have initiated Folkland Foods, an organic frozen french fry company. The establishment of a new $7 million production facility is underway, with completion aimed for January, supported by a $3 million grant from the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). This funding will facilitate an expansion and the acquisition of new equipment, including a freezer warehouse and a potato warehouse.
During a visit to Waterford Township, Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding announced the grant and toured the facility, highlighting the Troyer brothers, Colton and Zachary, as exemplars of Pennsylvania's success. The venture into organic potato farming presents challenges, including lower yields, but the potential for higher revenue is significant. The Troyer family currently cultivates over 243 hectares of potatoes, with 28 hectares dedicated to organic production.
The grant application by Folkland Foods underscores the project's potential to create jobs and support local potato growers by encouraging the shift towards organic farming. This move aligns with a growing consumer demand for organic products, a trend supported by Gov. Shapiro's establishment of a statewide Center of Organic Excellence. Folkland Foods aims to contribute to this demand by offering fries in three flavors: garlic rosemary, cajun spice, and Himalayan salt. Despite the challenges ahead, the company is optimistic about overcoming the hurdles of organic farming and fulfilling the demand for organic fries.
Source: Goerie