UMaine awarded grant for potato research, media report
WABI (Channel 5), WVII (Channel 7), Mainebiz and WAGM (Channel 8 in Presque Isle) reported the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently awarded the University of Maine $388,000 for potato research. UMaine will serve as the lead on an eastern United States potato breeding project focused on developing attractive, productive, disease- and insect-resistant potato varieties for large- and small-scale production, WABI reported. Republican Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King announced the grant in a joint press release. “Maine potatoes are a staple in homes around the country and are a testament to the quality of our farmers and small businesses,” Collins and King said. “This funding from the USDA will support the University of Maine’s cutting-edge research into potato breeding and help the state build on our strong agricultural traditions so we can make Maine potato products more economically resilient. We’re glad the Department of Agriculture recognizes the University of Maine’s innovative research and our state’s important role in the country’s agriculture.”