News on Food Trends 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
January 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.
Penobscot McCrum Potato Factory Won't Be Rebuilt After Fire, Company Shifts Focus to Washburn Facility
March 27, 2023

Penobscot McCrum Potato Factory Won't Be Rebuilt After Fire, Company Shifts Focus to Washburn Facility

The Penobscot McCrum potato factory in Belfast will not be rebuilt after a massive fire destroyed the facility one year ago.
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.
Gregory Porter awarded Honorary Life Membership by the Potato Association of America.
July 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.
McCain Foods building Aroostook Solar Projects to power Major Potato Processing Plant
July 15, 2022

McCain Foods building Aroostook Solar Projects to power Major Potato Processing Plant

Potato processor McCain Foods is building five solar facilities in Maine, that it says will help power the production of french fries in Easton, one of its largest plants.
Trucking shortage hinders sale of record Aroostook County potato harvest
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.
It's shaping up to be a banner year for Aroostook County (Maine) potatoes
October 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.
New University of Maine research hub to focus on Potato Virus Y
August 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.
Aerial view of the McCrum French Fry plant in Belfast, Maine
December 22, 2020

Maine French Fry manufacturer McCrum: 'Kiremko and Idaho Steel are our partners.'

McCrum: 'This project with Kiremko and Idaho Steel was a big project for our family. Trust with Kiremko and Idaho Steel has grown from day one. Our family considers them as partners now.'
Maine researchers are developing genomic tools for potato breeders
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.
Maine, US: Drought shrinks Aroostook County potato yields
October 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.
University of Maine has officially opened its new greenhouse
October 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.
Range of potato experiments underway at Maine Research Farm (Aroostook)
August 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.
Pineland Farms Potato Plant now part of Post Holdings
February 09, 2018

Pineland Farms Potato Plant now part of Post Holdings

The Pineland Farms Potato company in Mars Hill, Maine - acquired last year by Bob Evans Foods - changed hands again this year as Bob Evans Foods was acquired by Post Holdings.
UMaine receive grant for potato breeding and to improve quality and pest resistance
November 27, 2017

UMaine receives grant for potato breeding with focus on quality improvement and pest resistance

The USDA-NIFA has awarded a grant totaling $388,000 to the University of Maine to study potato breeding and improve quality and pest resistance in the eastern United States.
Potato researchers gather in Maine to find a solutions for the Blackleg disease
November 17, 2017

Potato researchers gather in Maine to find solutions for the Blackleg disease

Researchers from all over the world were in Bangor for the '2017 Dickeya and Pectobacterium Summit', organized by the University of Maine Extension.
To protect crops, farmers could promote potato beetle cannibalism
June 27, 2017

To protect crops, farmers could promote potato beetle cannibalism

UMaine scientists say farmers could try to protect their potato crop by utilizing agricultural practices — including crop rotations and push-pull strategies — to create field conditions that favor Colorado potato beetle cannibalism.
Genetically engineered potatoes approved for Maine
May 14, 2017

Genetically engineered potatoes approved for Maine

With little fanfare, the Maine Board of Pesticides Control unanimously approved on Friday morning the registration of three new types of genetically engineered potatoes that have been developed by Simplot Plant Sciences.

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