December 9, 2015
Potato inspection program struggles to find workers
The Maine Potato Board struggled to recruit workers this fall for its annual bruise survey program and is considering whether to continue the program.
The Bangor Daily News reported that potato bruise testers visit Aroostook County farms from mid-September through the end of October during the harvest to take samples. The 30-year-old service helps show industry trends in potato bruising.
George McLaughlin, an agricultural engineer with the Maine Potato Board, told the BDN that the survey took about half as many samples this year compared to last year, partly due to a shortage of workers. He said all growers are challenged to find workers for the temporary positions, which paid $14 per hour this year.
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