A 110-year-old facility in Aroostook County, known as the Aroostook Farm in Presque Isle, is undergoing a transformation with the aid of $3 million from the University of Maine, converting a former storage building into a state-of-the-art research laboratory. This investment is part of an effort to sustain and enhance Maine's potato sector, which is a significant contributor to the state's economy with a $1.3 billion impact, as highlighted by a 2024 UMaine study. The research conducted here was instrumental in developing the Caribou Russet, a top-selling variety in recent decades. The upgraded facility aims to expedite the creation of new potato varieties that are resilient to climate changes and diseases, thereby providing growers with seeds for future successful crops.
Mario Andrade, an assistant professor at UMaine and director of the potato breeding program, emphasized the importance of adapting to the changing climate and enhancing data collection methods to improve the chances of developing superior potato varieties. The funding, sourced from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, is expected to significantly reduce the time required for variety development, a process that is essential for maintaining the competitiveness of Maine's potato industry, according to UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.
The new laboratory will be equipped with advanced tools, including drones for aerial surveillance of the farm's test plots and an optical sorter for efficient classification of potatoes by size, a task that was previously done manually. Additionally, the lab will expand the farm's capabilities in DNA science, allowing for precise genetic breeding to achieve desirable traits in new potato varieties. This technological advancement could shorten the development cycle of new potato varieties, which typically spans over a decade.
The Aroostook Farm, established in 1914, plays a pivotal role in the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station network, focusing on various agricultural research areas. The integration of advanced technology and genetic science at the farm is poised to revolutionize potato breeding, making it more responsive to environmental challenges and market demands. The collaborative efforts of the farm staff, UMaine Cooperative Extension specialists, and the Maine Potato Board are crucial for the continuous innovation and sustainability of Maine's potato industry.
Source: The County