Potato News from Maine

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Kettle chips fall out of a centrifuge and onto a conveyor belt in the Taste of Maine Potato Chip Company's factory in Limestone
August 12, 2026
Taste of Maine begins kettle chip production at new USD 75 million potato chip plant in Maine
Taste of Maine has begun kettle chip production at its new USD 75 million plant in Limestone, Maine, using locally grown potatoes. The facility can produce up to 14 million pounds of chips annually and will also support co-packing operations.
Assistant Professor of Potato Breed and Genetics at UMaine Mario Andrade explains the potato breeding process at a university greenhouse
March 31, 2026
Caribou Russet Becomes Leading Potato Variety in Maine as Breeding Program Expands
Maine marked its 206th birthday on March 15, 2026, celebrating its admission as the 23rd state of the United States in 1820. While blueberries symbolize the state, potatoes remain a vital part of Maine’s agricultural heritage and economy.
McCain Foods Acquires Penobscot McCrum, Strengthening Its North American Potato Network.
November 13, 2025
McCain Foods Acquires Penobscot McCrum to Increase its French Fry Production Capacity in North America
McCain Foods has agreed to acquire Penobscot McCrum LLC, expanding its North American operations. The deal adds McCrum’s modern Washburn, Maine, facility to McCain’s network, strengthening supply, innovation, and support for local farmers.
Peter Gerritsen in tending this year’s crop of tissue-culture Potato Plantlets
November 07, 2025
A Maine family farm thrives by growing specialty potatoes
Aroostook County has long been referred to as Maine’s Potato Empire. Because of the relatively short season in the County and its rich, fertile soil, potatoes became the dominant crop as non-indigenous settlement increased in the 19th century.
Potato fields in Fort Fairfield, Maine, with irrigation systems visible as farmers respond to drought conditions.
August 26, 2025
Maine Potato Harvest at Risk as Drought Threatens Crops and Farmers Turn to Irrigation
Drought across Maine, with 80% of the state affected, threatens potato harvests. Experts warn stunted growth, urging irrigation. The USD 1.3 Billion industry faces risks as relief isn’t expected until early autumn.
Gov. Janet Mills joins UMaine and Maine Potato Board leaders to cut the ribbon at the revamped Aroostook Farm, boosting Maine’s potato research and innovation.
July 27, 2025
Maine governor and UMaine President Reopen Modernized Aroostook Farm, Advancing World-Class Potato Breeding Program
Gov. Mills and UMaine leaders reopened the modernized Aroostook Farm after a USD 3 Million upgrade, boosting Maine’s potato research with advanced tech to speed new variety development like the Caribou Russet, supporting jobs and the agri-economy.
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Lawmakers gather around advanced farm equipment during the Aroostook Potato Tour, getting a firsthand look at the technology driving innovation in Maine’s potato industry.
July 21, 2025
Maine Lawmakers Tour Aroostook Farms to Explore Potato Innovation, Technology, and Policy Impact
Lawmakers toured Aroostook County to explore Maine’s potato industry, seeing innovative tech and learning how policy affects farming. The trip aimed to boost understanding of agricultural challenges and support.
The future flagship Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co. plant, located at 250 Northcutt Road on the former Loring Air Force Base.
July 09, 2025
Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co. Construction progress of USD 65 Million Plant in Limestone
Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co. is building a USD 65 million, 96,000 sq. ft. plant at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone. This major project is one of the region’s largest commercial developments in decades.
A 96,000-square-foot Taste of Maine potato chip factory is under construction on the former air base in Limestone, Aroostook County.
June 07, 2025
Taste of Maine potato chip plant under construction in Aroostook County
A 96,000-square-foot potato chip plant is under construction at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone. Owner Bruce Sargent says he expects the plant to be open by April 2026.
The team behind the new Taste of Maine Potato Chip Co. poses on the 30-acre property at Loring Commerce Center where they will construct a new potato chip processing plant. (LR) James Pelkey, James' son Chance Pelkey, 8, Brad Sargent,
April 20, 2024
New potato chip plant in Aroostook on track for July construction start
The people behind one of Loring Commerce Center’s major new developments plan to begin construction by late July 2024
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.
Newly hired Fort Fairfield Town Manager Tim Goff (left) listens as Dan Foster, outgoing interim town manager, address the council Wednesday, Sept. 20. (Courtesy: The Star-Herald)
September 27, 2023
Fort Fairfield, Maine hopeful to welcome a Potato Chip Plant, Awaiting Development Decision
Although in its early stages, the proposal to set up a potato chip plant has gained approval from Fort Fairfield town officials and holds the potential to rejuvenate the local economy, which has suffered from the closure of major industries and businesses in recent years.
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McCrum potato filed
July 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.
Penobscot McCrum potato factory
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.
Lobster shells and soil
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.
Steven B. Johnson, PhD, UMaine Cooperative Extension professor and crops specialist, poses in a field at the Aroostook Farm in Presque Isle in spring 2021. (Courtesy: Steven Johnson)
August 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.
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 is aiming to get its plant in Easton, Aroostook County, running off 50 percent solar power in the near future. (Courtesy: Gabor Degree / BDN)
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.

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