Growing and Marketing Specialty Potato Varieties
WALDO, Maine – In 2024 and 2025, Midcoast Sustainable Agriculture Program Coordinator Brett Johnson, Assistant Extension Professor, Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Business Management Educator, conducted specialty potato variety trials at the Rogers Farm Forage and Crop Research Facility in Stillwater, generating information on yield and other traits related to performance for 15 potato varieties suitable for specialty markets. Results were shared through a comprehensive Extension program that included a series of workshops, variety showcases, and on-farm field day events held in and around Waldo County. Outcomes of the program to date include a reported increase in knowledge of specialty potato production through attending program events among 100% of attendees surveyed. A majority of respondents reported that they now intended to adopt a new practice on their farm as a result of attending the program. Post-program event surveys (n=6) report a combined expected increase in farm income through adoption of new growing and marketing practices of at least $73,000 over the next 5 years.
About Midcoast Sustainable Agriculture Program
The Midcoast Sustainable Agriculture Program connects farmers through conversation, education, and demonstration; promotes sustainable farming practices; and strengthens the regional agricultural community through technical support and consultation.
Find more information and access resources and support for your farm business by visiting the Midcoast Sustainable Agriculture Program page.