Aardappelketen from Maine

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine -- January 4, 2023 -- Mario Andrade, assistant professor of potato breeding and genetics at the University of Maine in Orono, stands in a potato field at the Aroostook Farm in Presque Isle during the September 2022 harvest. Andrade too

januari 10, 2024

New head of breeding program wants to save Maine potatoes from climate change

DNA science is gaining ground in agriculture, and researchers are using it to develop potatoes that will thrive in Maine’s changing climate.

McCrum: The success and legacy behind the thriving potato processing operation

juli 06, 2023

McCrum: The success and legacy behind a thriving potato processing operation in Maine

There aren't many farms in Maine that can boast they've been owned by the same family for more than 130 years. One of those is the McCrums.

UMaine researchers testing lobster shells to thwart potato soil pathogens

december 22, 2022

University of Maine researchers are testing lobster shells to thwart potato soil pathogens

Scientists at the University of Maine are evaluating if lobster shells can cultivate beneficial microbial communities that ward off soil borne potato pathogens.

augustus 06, 2022

Maine’s foremost potato expert is bringing his expertise around the world

Maine — Potato farmers depend on Steve Johnson. At least they did for 34 years. Now Johnson, who retired on June 30, is taking his expertise to other parts of the world.

juli 15, 2022

Gregory Porter awarded Honorary Life Membership by the Potato Association of America

Gregory Porter, professor of agronomy in the University of Maine School of Food and Agriculture, will receive an Honorary Life Membership from the Potato Association of America (PAA) at the organization’s annual meeting in July 2022.

Maine Potato Board Announces 2022 Industry Recognition Award

juni 26, 2022

Winslow family of Mapleton receives the 2022 Maine Potato Industry Industry Recognition Award

The Maine Potato Board has selected the Victor and Gloria Winslow family of Mapleton for the 2022 Maine Potato Industry Recognition Award. This year’s recognition is awarded under a new, broader category for individuals

november 16, 2021

Trucking shortage hinders sale of record Aroostook County potato harvest

Aroostook County (Maine, US) may have pulled a record potato harvest out of the ground this year, but transportation slowdowns and a driver shortage are making it difficult to get the crop to market.

oktober 19, 2021

It's shaping up to be a banner year for Aroostook County (Maine) potatoes

Don Flannery, president of the Maine Potato Board, is not calling it a record year — yet. But with over 80 percent of this season’s potatoes out of the ground, the longtime industry expert said yields are shaping up to be above average.

september 14, 2021

Aroostook County potato experts expect high quality crop in 2021

Aroostook County agricultural growers are predicting a higher quantity and quality of potato crop than was produced in 2020, due to the less severe weather this summer.

augustus 22, 2021

New University of Maine research hub to focus on Potato Virus Y

Greater understanding of the biology of one of the most destructive plant viruses to potato crops will be the focus of a research hub at the University of Maine.

december 08, 2020

Maine researchers are developing genomic tools for potato breeders

Two University of Maine researchers, Greg Porter and Han Tan, are part of a team of plant geneticists and breeders working to develop tools that will help Maine scientists and farmers become more efficient in bringing novel, improved potato varieties to market.

oktober 15, 2020

Maine, US: Drought shrinks Aroostook County potato yields

This year’s potato harvest was met with an unrelenting drought that diminished crops and tied up water resources for Aroostook County, Maine farmers.

The McCrum's, a 6th generation farming family, just opened North America's newest fry processing plant in Washburn, Maine (Courtesy: Paul Cyr)

augustus 12, 2020

McCrum just opened North America's newest fry processing plant in Washburn, Maine

The McCrum's, a 6th generation farming family, just opened North America's newest fry processing plant in Washburn, Maine

december 10, 2019

Maine potatoes expected to be in 'strong demand' after disappointing harvest elsewhere

Don Flannery, executive director of the Maine Potato Board, said that poor harvests elsewhere in North America would create a 'strong demand' for Maine-grown potatoes.

oktober 12, 2019

University of Maine has officially opened its new greenhouse

The University of Maine at Presque Isle marked the completion of its state-of-the-art, four-season Zillman Family Greenhouse with an official opening and dedication ceremony on Friday, Sept. 27.

november 20, 2018

A new Maine Potato Variety, the Caribou Russet, sees an increasing popularity

The Caribou Russet, a potato variety developed by the University of Maine and available since 2016, sees an increasing market

Leavitt Farms recognized as top potato grower for McCain Foods Easton

september 03, 2018

Leavitt Farms recognized as Champion potato grower for McCain Foods Easton

The Top 10 Potato Growers for the McCain Foods Easton, Maine French Fry plant were recognized at the annual McCain Grower Barbecue at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center in Presque Isle last month

augustus 12, 2018

Range of potato experiments underway at Maine Research Farm (Aroostook)

Farmers, researchers and members of the public gathered at the University of Maine’s Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle last Wednesday to learn about the latest in potato research.