Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 J U N E 2 , 2 0 2 5 F O C U S A G R I C U LT U R E / A Q UA C U LT U R E Several other growers in Aroostook County contacted about the opening of the new plant also expressed interest in growing for Taste of Maine. Maine is one of the top 10 potato producing states in the nation. About two-thirds of the potatoes grown in the state are processed into potato chips or french fries. Although there are a few small companies making artisan potato chips in Maine, the Taste of Maine plant will be the only large producer of potato chips in Aroostook County. Regulatory hurdles One of the permits Taste of Maine had to acquire before construction began is an air emission license, which regulates the emissions coming from the various boilers and fryers at the plant. e plant will have three propane boilers for heat. Propane emits relatively low amounts of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide. e fryers that will cook the chips will also use propane. e air emission license was granted in February. In general, marketing potatoes for processing rather than as table stock creates stability for the farmer. e value-added potential of potato chips establishes a less volatile market than the market for commodity potatoes. In recent decades, Maine has shifted somewhat from commodity to process- ing potatoes. e Taste of Maine facility will be competing in the northeast with companies such as Cape Cod Potato Chips, based in Hyannis, Mass. Jim Gerritsen, an entrepreneur and former owner of Wood Prairie Farm in Bridgewater, has been growing potatoes in Aroostook County since the 1970s. He sees opportunity in the new potato chip plant. "Whenever there's a new market for Maine potatoes, it's a good thing for Maine," he says. Gerritsen also recognizes the contri- bution Bruce Sargent and his family have made to the Maine economy. We offer grants, loans, and equity investments for innovative Maine businesses. Our funding programs help support the development of new products, devices, or methods with the potential to spur economic growth in Maine. For more information, visit mainetechnology.org MTI drives Maine's innovation economy Lumber and potatoes are the two big things in Aroostook County. — Wayne Marquis Marquis Farms C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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