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The Maine Seed Potato Board (MSPB) was established in 1945 to ensure an
adequate
supply of foundation
seed potatoes for the state's commercial seed
potato producers
and ultimately for the Maine potato industry.
The
commissioner of the Maine Department
of Agriculture serves on the Board
along with eight potato
producers who represent
the seed, table-stock and
processing industries in the state.
In 1947,
the MSPB purchased an isolated farm in Masardis, Maine, now known as
the Porter Seed Farm, enabling it to better control and manage the
production and
quality of foundation seed stock. The facility is equipped with tissue
culture
production, disease testing laboratories, seed storages with climate control
systems, greenhouses,
and an irrigation system, to support the production of nuclear and
foundation seed.
In 2009,
the Maine Seed Potato Board began producing minitubers in a new
state-of-the-art greenhouse using hydroponics. By using hydroponics, the MSPB is
able to produce high quality minitubers at very competitive prices.
The facility
also allows the Board to increase the volume of seed and at a
much faster rate.
The
facility provides tubers grown in vitro (micro-tubers),
greenhouse grown
tubers (minitubers)
and transplants, and foundation seed potatoes to seed growers.
The MSPB
is positioned to provide growers in Maine as well as growers in other
areas
with quality seed potatoes. This seed can be purchased as minitubers (MT),
FG1 and FG2. The MSPB is currently providing custom production of private
varieties
and has the resources to continue to do so. If interested in
purchasing seed, please
use the contact information below for availability
and pricing.
To meet
the needs of our seed industry and to better utilize resources, the Board
makes a serious effort to match production volumes and varieties produced
with
contract requests; however, some years the farm may have additional
seed for sale.
For
additional information about the Porter Farm, contact:
Maine Seed Potato Board
Donald Flannery, Executive Director
744 Main Street, Suite 1
Presque Isle, ME 04769
(207) 769-5061
flannery@mainepotatoes.com
For a complete list of the 2009 Production Varieties -
2009 Varieties
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