The County highlights UMaine involvement in uplifting potato economy
The County highlighted the University of Maine’s involvement in the state’s potato industry. A UMaine study found that the industry contributes $1.3 billion to the state economy. Aroostook Farm in Presque Isle, a large contributor to the potato industry, is using $3 million from the University of Maine System to upgrade the farm’s research center and help develop new climate and disease resistant potato varieties. “What I’m selecting now will benefit the industry 10 to 12 years from now. We see the trend that our winters are getting mild and our summers are getting hotter,” said Mario Andrade, assistant professor of potato breeding and genetics at UMaine. “If I can collect better data, the chance to find a better potato is higher.”