Letter: Question 2 will support a resilient Maine economy

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Recent reporting about the popularity of the Caribou Russet ( UMaine potato breed edges out longtime favorites , Sept. 30) reinforces the incredible impact of research and development (R&D) on our state’s economy.

Developed by the University of Maine through our Aroostook County-based breeding program and released in partnership with the Maine Potato Board nearly a decade ago, the Caribou Russet has become the top seed potato variety planted here. Because of its success, our state is one of only three where potato production expanded between 2000 and 2022.

What makes the Caribou Russet so special is its high yield, disease resistance, tolerance of weather-related stress and versatility. Consumers enjoy it baked and mashed, and processors turn it into tasty chips and fries.

Amid changing climate and markets, Maine is increasingly reliant on research like that which led to this outstanding potato, both to sustain our heritage industries and accelerate the growth of new ones, including in life sciences and advanced materials and manufacturing.

That’s why I support investments in Maine innovation, including Question 2, a $25 million R&D bond with bipartisan backing that will appear on the November ballot.

Many of our state’s small farms can’t afford their own R&D operations but as UMaine’s potato breeding program proves, they all directly benefit from public investment in research, as do their employees and their families and communities.

“Yes” on Question 2 is a vote for Maine ingenuity and the resilient economy it seeds.

Joan Ferrini-Mundy
President
University of Maine
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