IMPACT OF CHANGING POTATO PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN MARYLAND
Agricultural Issues
Sudeep Mathew
Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources
University of Maryland Extension
Cambridge
Abstract
Potato production in Maryland is concentrated at the Eastern Shore of the Delmarva Peninsula. In late 90’s Maryland produced about 5000 acres of potatoes combining many small partials of potato acreage spreading all across the state. The acreage has decreased over time until two years ago. The current potato acreage is situated around Dorchester County where irrigated sandy loam soils provide ideal mid-Atlantic growing conditions for potato production. The present production system is a more organized and a uniform program catering the needs specifically for the industry. Maryland provides a unique spring shipping window for chip processing since the crop will be harvested during July and completes harvest usually by first week of August. 80% of Maryland grown potatoes are grown for chipping and rest is table stock. Maryland’s close proximity to the population centers like Washington DC, Baltimore, Richmond and Philadelphia will further strengthen its position in the area potato market. The increasing potato acreage gave growers an opportunity for diversification and at the same time provided the added value of a cash crop to their operations. More over the dynamics of potato productions system has created 10 full time positions and 52 seasonal jobs in Dorchester County in the last 2 years. This presentation will discuss how the University of Maryland Extension is equipping growers to adapt the new changing face of potato production system in Maryland.
Authors: Mathew, S.
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Mathew, S. Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources, University Of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21613