Facts about the Maine potato industry

Potato production has a rich heritage in Maine and remains the number one agricultural industry in the state today, delivering a surprisingly significant impact to the state’s overall economy. The impact ripples throughout the state, supporting jobs within the industry, in service to it, and even other sectors of the economy.

History and Industry Standing

Between 1928 and 1958, Aroostook County alone produced more potatoes than any state in the nation. Since then Maine’s planted acreage has declined. But more recently, due to tremendous investment in irrigation, storage and processing, acreage has stabilized, solidifying Maine’s position as an important player in the nation’s potato industry.
Potatoes were planted on 59,000 acres in Maine in 2006, an increase of about 3 percent over 2005.

Within the state, potatoes are critical to the continued prosperity of the Maine economy. There are nearly 400 potato growers in Maine, from Aroostook County to the western mountain region around Bethel and Fryeburg.

Economic Impact

The total impact of the potato industry on the state’s economy is $540 million in sales. (The direct impact of the industry is $293 million.)
From the time they’re planted to the time they’re served at your table, Maine potatoes account for over 6,100 jobs in Maine. These include jobs within the industry itself (growers, processors etc.), jobs in service to the industry (truckers, equipment manufacturers/dealers, food brokers etc.) and jobs induced by the $230 million in personal income workers earn as a result.
Maine potatoes generate over $30 million in state and local taxes every year that supports schools, road maintenance and many other important community needs.