UMaine Cooperative Extension and MOFGA Partner on Organic Potato Publication
Contact: Kyle McCaskill, 207-581-3185 or 800-287-0274
PRESQUE ISLE–Organic farming is the fastest growing segment of U.S. agriculture, and there is no reason potatoes shouldn’t follow suit. In recognition and support of this trend, crops specialists Steven Johnson of UMaine Cooperative Extension and Eric Sideman of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) have teamed up to author an Extension bulletin on growing potatoes organically in Maine.
In 1986 the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) certified fewer than 10 farms selling potatoes. In 2005 MOFGA certified nearly 100 small- and moderate-sized farms marketing organic potatoes. Organic potatoes have a higher market value, usually two to three times that of conventional potatoes. Consumers seek out organic produce not only to avoid chemical residues and obtain better nutrition and flavor, but also because they recognize that organic production practices are good for Maine. Organic potatoes can command a premium price because many Maine consumers recognize the immediate benefits of healthful food, as well as the longer term benefits of soil and environmental stewardship.
Organic farming practices build up soil nutrients, raise the level of organic matter in soil and improve soil structure. These practices including rotating crops–planting cover crops that can be plowed under as “green manure”–as well as adding compost and livestock manures to the soil. Organic growers avoid pesticides, which can disrupt the soil’s beneficial biological activity.
The new Extension bulletin, “Producing Potatoes Organically in Maine,” includes an analysis of common organic soil amendments as well as a table of seed tuber requirements. The bulletin discusses soil management, cutting and storing seed, fertilizing, planting, pest control, harvesting and storing. The bulletin is available through the UMaine Extension publications distribution center for $1.00 at 207-581-3792. It will soon be available for free download from the online catalog at http://extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu/.