The Maine Potato Board, Wal-Mart supercenters, Bushwick Potato Co. and Guerrette Farms embarked on a campaign to bring the freshest tablestock potatoes to Maine consumers.

Maine Commissioner of Agriculture Seth Bradstreet III was on hand late last month to kick off the campaign at the Waterville [ME] Wal-Mart supercenter. Wal-Mart supercenters across the state featured 10-pound bags of potatoes with the "Get Real, Get Maine!" logo.

DiMare Fresh and Backyard Farms also participated in providing fresh, fully vine-ripened tomatoes right from their state-of-the-art greenhouse in Madison, ME. The greenhouse complex utilizes world-class technology to produce tomatoes year round in an environmentally friendly setting.

The Maine Department of Agriculture and other agricultural organizations are urging consumers to increase purchases of locally grown foods, which helps the local economy and preserves Maine farms.

"Consumer response to 'Buy Local' campaigns has been overwhelming," Mr. Bradstreet said in a press release. "When given a choice between purchasing a Maine-grown product or its equivalent from 'away,' consumers are increasingly supporting Maine farmers. One of the biggest challenges for consumers devoted to buying local foods is determining which foods are grown locally. Finding products with the familiar 'Get Real, Get Maine!' logo ensures consumers they are purchasing products grown in Maine."

Guerrette Farms, a grower and shipper based in Caribou, ME, works with Bushwick Potato to supply Wal-Mart with high-quality, regionally grown potatoes.

Brian Guerrette, president of Guerrette Farms, said in the press release that he is excited about the promotion. "The Wal-Mart program provides a needed boost to our business," he said. "We believe Maine has achieved a reputation for superior-quality potatoes, and the consumer will appreciate finding these products on Wal-Mart shelves."

"It's important to Wal-Mart to support local growers, and we're proud to work with the Maine Potato Board to offer our customers this outstanding produce," Wal-Mart Vice President of Produce Ron McCormick added in a statement. "Our customers get an exceptional-quality product and the bonus of knowing it's from their own backyard."

The Maine Potato Board said that this promotion confirms the quality of Maine product.

"We're promoting the state of Maine, and we're proud to offer some of the best potatoes in the country to an audience that has come to expect high- quality and fair price," Don Flannery, executive director of the Maine Potato Board, said in the press release.

Ken Gray, who represents the fourth generation of the Bushwick Potato Co., which has been packing and shipping potatoes since 1934, markets potatoes for Maine farmers and helped organize the promotion with Wal-Mart. He helps determine what the Wal-Mart stores will need in any given week. "Wal-Mart expressed the need for more high-quality, regionally correct Maine produce," Mr. Gray said.

"The 'Get Real, Get Maine!' campaign is a perfect fit for the Wal-Mart stores in Maine and creates a win-win situation for everyone," Mr. Gray added in the press release. "The campaign reinforces Wal-Mart's commitment to supporting Maine agriculture, and it also gets more of our Maine produce in the marketplace and in front of the consumer."

In addition, Bushwick and the Maine Potato Board were pleased to provide a donation to the Children's Miracle Network. In Maine, local Children's Miracle Network donations directly benefit the affiliate hospitals and pediatric programs of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems. These programs and services are available at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center.