University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host a virtual presentation, Thursday, March 27, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., covering growing and marketing practices for specialty potato varieties in Maine. 

Consumer interest and demand for fresh-market potato varieties with unique size, shape, color and taste profiles has been on the rise, according to UMaine Extension, in a news release. The trend presents new market opportunities for specialty crop producers.

Brett Johnson, UMaine Extension sustainable agriculture and farm business management educator, will give an overview of practices involved in growing and marketing specialty potato products in Maine. Results of the 2024 Organic Specialty Potato Variety Trial conducted at Rogers Farm Forage and Crop Research Facility in Old Town will also be presented. 

Register on the event webpage or by phone at 207.342.5971. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Billiejo Pendleton at billiejo.pendleton@maine.edu. 

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.