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Maine Seed Potato Certification Program
The Division of Animal and Plant Health certifies seed potatoes in Maine to control the level of regulated pests in Maine's potato industry. Certification is a three step process:
- Inspection of seed potatoes during the summer
- Only seed lots that are found to meet the tolerance for regulated diseases and pests are eligible to be certified as seed.
- A directory of producers whose seed lots pass the summer inspection program is compiled at the conclusion of the field inspection season.
- Disease evaluation of samples submitted for lab testing.
- Maine statutes require that in order for a seed lot to receive certification, a sample must be submitted for post-harvest disease testing at the Maine Potato Testing Lab.
- Seed lots meeting the tolerances of the post-harvest test are published at the conclusion of the program.
- 2024 Post-Harvest Test Book (PDF 1.3MB)
- Inspection during shipping to ensure the potatoes meet grade standards
- Only lots that are found to meet field, post-harvest test, and shipping point inspection tolerances can be tagged as certified seed (PDF 2.8MB).