Variety Performance in Organic Specialty Potato Production

In 2022, Maine had at least 457 farms producing potatoes on over 54,000 acres, with the value of sales of Maine-grown potatoes reaching over $200 million, according to the Census of Agriculture. Among these farms, 317 (69%) were small acreages of less than 5 acres, primarily producing for direct-to-consumer channels such as on-farm markets, farm stands, farmers markets and retail channels like health food stores, grocer co-ops and grocery chains.

To address the growing consumer demand for specialty potato products, UMaine Extension is conducting field trials of potato varieties, identifying commercially viable specialty varieties, and introducing these new varieties to producers and consumers. These resources will help inform decisions around variety adoption by commercial fresh market potato producers, with the intended impact of widespread gains in net farm income through the adoption of new specialty potato varieties. This initiative fosters innovation and resilience within the farming community, ensuring that Maine’s agricultural heritage continues to thrive.