Nieuws from Maine

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. 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.

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.

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 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 people behind one of Loring Commerce Center’s major new developments plan to begin construction by late July 2024

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

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.

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.

The Penobscot McCrum potato factory in Belfast will not be rebuilt after a massive fire destroyed the facility one year ago.

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

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, 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.