Farm Family
of the Year 2008

Maine Potato Board Announces Farm Family of the Year

Presque Isle, Maine — The Maine Potato Board recently announced the recipient of this year’s Farm Family of the Year 2008, bestowing the honor to the Robert Roope family of Presque Isle, Maine.
          While many people associate the “Roaring Twenties” with speakeasies, flapper dresses, and Model Ts, Bruce Roope, son of Robert Jr., cannot think about this memorable decade without thinking of his grandmother, who originally had the farm. Today, thanks in part to Robert Jr., who took over the farm and carried on its legacy until Bruce and his brother Brandon assumed operations, the farm remains a vital contributor to Maine’s agricultural community.
          A lot has changed about the farm and the industry, but little has changed when it comes to the Roope family’s love for and devotion to farming. Perhaps nothing demonstrates this commitment more than the fact that “Dad retired at age 65, but has worked every day since,” said Bruce, speaking about Robert Jr., who is now 80 years old.
          “Dad” comes up a lot in conversation with Bruce. And, he should. After all, according to Bruce, he’s the one who taught his boys to “keep plugging away, always do your best, modernize, step out, take risk, and always have optimism.”
          Holding steadfast to these lessons, “Bruce and Brandon have not only built a successful business but also have contributed greatly to the industry and community at large,” said Tim Hobbs, Director of Development & Grower Relations for the Maine Potato Board. “They have served on local, state, and national boards (ranging from the National Potato Council to the Maine Association of Conservation Districts to the local school board) and been heavily involved in local, state, and national government, working on behalf of agricultural and all natural resources,” Hobbs added.  
          Brandon currently sits on the Maine Potato Board, representing the processing sector and serving as treasurer. He and the entire Roopes family are true advocates of agriculture and, from generation to generation have served Maine’s potato industry for nearly a century.
But, both brothers (Bruce and Brandon) are the first to admit it hasn’t always been easy. “Times can be tough, even now with the cost of production,” Bruce said. “And, people forget about the role farming plays in feeding our nation and in supporting our economy. We all need to remember how important industries related to natural resources are…we never want to become reliant on another country for our food.”
          Along with the challenging times, however, the Roope family has been witness to amazing advancements and innovation. Bruce clearly remembers coming home from high school one day to a four-row planter. He couldn’t believe it – he thought that was vast. Today’s technology makes this invention seem like, well, small potatoes. “Now we pick up 10 rows at a time during harvest and our trucks carry 200 barrels (300 CWT) of potatoes,” said Bruce, who added the biggest advances have occurred in the past five to 10 years, citing specifically the mechanization of farming.
          The question remains: “What’s next?” Bruce’s greatest hope for the future is to keep young people in Maine and working in farming or a related industry. In sharing this hope, he reiterates the importance of agriculture to the state, the nation, and the world. Bruce realizes that to him, farming is a way of life, but to the world, it is a critical ingredient to promoting healthy living and economic vitality.
          The Roope Farm began in the 1920s, an era known for prosperity. Bruce and his family can only hope for the same (prosperity) for farmers in Maine and throughout the United States.
          There are about 380 potato growers in Maine, from Aroostook County to the western mountain region around Bethel and Fryeburg. The total impact of the potato industry on the state’s economy is $540 million in sales, 6100 jobs, over $230 million in personal income, and over $32 million in state and local taxes.
          To find Maine potatoes, consumers should look for the Maine Quality Trademark – a blue, white, and red State of Maine trademark – or ask store produce managers for Maine potatoes (as not all bags are marked). For more information visit www.mainepotatoes.com.