Gregg Garrison can close his eyes and remember a time when he was 8 years old, sitting behind the wheel of a tractor tilling the soil in the potato fields on the family farm. Pickers worked around him and roadside potato stands dotted the landscape.

Though times have changed, there has been one constant: Gregg Garrison.

That perseverance, skill and dedication to the craft of potato growing have earned the Blaine resident accolades as the Maine Potato Board's 2009 Young Farmer of the Year.

The Maine Potato Board named Garrison Young Farmer of the Year based on a nomination process focused on his leadership potential, as well as his success in and positive impact on the community.

"Gregg has already contributed in a big way to our state's potato industry," said Tim Hobbs, director of development and grower relations for the Maine Potato Board. "We look forward to getting him more involved at both the local and national level."



Source: bangordailynews.com