AGRICULTURE TODAY: Year in Review

The full impact of 1999 has yet to be felt by northern Maine's potato producers, but this year was significant because many feel the industry has finally turned a corner. Although there was still a slight decline in both acres harvested and overall production, most industry experts are predicting an increase in acreage early in the next century, perhaps even next year.

The most notable development of 1999 was the construction of a 70 million dollar addition to the McCain Foods processing facility in Easton. The project encompassed a variety of features, but the addition of a new line and the ability to produce batter coated french fries will result in significant increases in potatoes processed by the Florenceville, N.B. based processor.

In addition to the McCain's expansion, the Maine Potato Board unveiled a new variety of tablestock potatoes: "Maine's Premium Plus". The new grade will consist of larger, uniform sized potatoes which are held to more rigid standards than USDA #1.

The Maine Potato Board also released "A Review of the Industry 1999," a booklet celebrating the rich history and future of the potato industry in Maine. Developed in cooperation with Northern Maine Development Commission, "A Review of the Industry 1999" highlights the deep roots of agriculture as the backbone of the state's economy, and touts the tremendous economic benefit of Maine's agricultural industry. It clearly demonstrates the economic impact of the industry on the entire state, from sales generated to jobs created.

The 20th century has been a century of major change for the potato industry in northern Maine. The century has seen the rise of the industry to the number one producer in the United States and its subsequent decline. Maine remains the number 5 producer of potatoes in America, though, and Aroostook County still produces more of the vegetable than any other county in the U.S. With a proven track record of innovative, quality production, the Maine Potato Industry is bidding farewell to this century and looking forward to growth and expansion in the next.