UMaine Extension hosts potato variety showcase and field tour in Old Town

Old Town, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension is hosting a specialty potato variety showcase from 12:30–3 p.m. on August 29 at Rogers Farm Forage and Crop Research Facility at 914 Bennoch Road in Old Town. 

Consumer interest and demand for fresh-market potato products with unique size, shape, color and culinary characteristics presents new market opportunities for producers. Presenters include UMaine Extension Sustainable Agriculture Educator Brett Johnson and UMaine Assistant Professor of Potato Breeding and Genetics Mario Andrade, who will share results of the 2024 Organic Specialty Potato Variety Trial. The presentation will be followed by a field tour of the current variety trial, including a showcase of new releases from the Maine Potato Breeding Program. 

Registration is required on the event webpage or by phone at 207.342.5971. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Billiejo Pendleton at billiejo.pendleton@maine.edu.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.