Both internal and external factors relating to the production and marketing of Maine potatoes continue to influence and often undermine the profitability and market position of this important agricultural industry in the State. Among these factors are the technical aspects related to commercial production, storage and packing of potatoes in Maine; the current market structure; responses by the Maine industry to market preferences; and public policies, both foreign and domestic, affecting financial conditions and promotional activities in Maine and competing production regions. The quality of Maine potatoes in produce outlets in major Eastern U.S. markets is affected by production practices, handling methods, storage conditions, and quality maintenance and control practices. The organizational aspects of the marketing system at least partially determine the level of success in overall product marketing including the accurate and timely transmission of market information. Successful marketing also depends on the ability arid willingness of the industry to make use of such information in developing and implementing future marketing plans. Credit availability and policies in Maine and other regions are increasingly important as profit margins are reduced in times of low market prices and increasing production costs for all producers. In order to expand market demand for its product, industry promotional expenditures and activities may be inadequate.https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/aes_bulletin/1115/thumbnail.jp
