INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

NEW POTATO DEVELOPED FOR ALASKA MARKET

Published online: Sep 07, 2011 Seed Potatoes
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A new line of potato developed at the University of Alaska (at the Matanuska Experiment Farm in Palmer) stands to boost Alaska's agriculture industry with its consumer plate appeal.

"It has high potential," said Carol Lewis, dean of the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences and the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station director. "It will benefit the public, the university and the agriculture industry."

For now, the potato is simply called 29-6. Researcher Jeff Smeenk has been working on 29-6 for several years. The yellow-fleshed potato's appeal is that it has flashy red and white skin that will entice restaurant chefs seeking to add excitement to the dinner plate. "It was selected for the Alaska sales market," Smeenk said.