Maine Potato Board

A major shift has recently occurred in the world of processed potatoes when international giant McCain’s bought out Washburn-based processor McCrum.

Penobscot McCrum, an Aroostook County potato processing facility going back five generations, is set to be acquired by McCain Foods.

A $3 million renovation includes a new lab, DNA and imaging equipment and drone monitors to accelerate development of potato varieties, which typically takes years.

Jeannie Tapley succeeds Don Flannery as executive director of the Presque Isle-based organization.

Don't reclassify the potato as a grain, Maine's Republican senator and 13 colleagues argue in a bipartisan plea to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack.

Gregory Porter, UMaine professor of agronomy, grew up on a potato farm in Aroostook County. He has dedicated his 38-year career at UMaine to improving potato production in the eastern United States. 

The legislation seeks to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act.