COULD 20-YEAR DROP IN PRODUCTION BE DOWN TO POTATO QUALITY ISSUES IN MAINE?
PROBLEMS with potato quality in Maine in New England, in the United States, have prompted a certification program to be imposed by the State Department of Agriculture.
Maine’s production of potatoes has halved in the past 20 years, and many believe the quality problems are partially reponsible for this.
The certification program is aimed at preventing poor quality potatoes from reaching the marketplace. The state’s commissioner of agriculture, Ed McGlaughlin, said unethical practices by some growers had necessitated the move, as these have led to some potatoes that are unfit for consumers, making their way to supermarket shelves. This includes those intended for seeding or processing.
The programme has been welcomed by retailers in the area, including supermarket chains Hannaford Bros and Stop ‘n Shop.
“We believe the inspections are greatly needed,” said Sue Pierter, spokeswoman for Hannaford. “Inspections are a very important part of getting Maine back to where it was.”
Richard Daniels, a produce buyer for Stop ‘n Shop, said the new plan for inspections should help the situation, but only if enforcement is effective.
Retailers also have a role to play, Ed stressed, stating that they are responsible for knowing which kinds of potatoes they are selling. Much of the poor quality product is moved through terminal markets or is pre-bagged, he added.
Meanwhile, while Maine’s potato quality is in the spotlight, suppliers run the risk of retailers looking elsewhere.
Richard said other states, such as Washington, have increased their tuber production and are performing well in the market so he has been stocking fewer Maine potatoes, replacing them with products from elsewhere. Sue said other retailers in the New England area have continued using Maine potatoes, but have become more selective about buying from that state.
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