Robbie Irving Named 2014 Young Farmer of the Year

Fort Fairfield Journal, July 22, 2015

The Maine Potato Board recently announced Robert M. Irving, from Caribou has been selected as the 2014 Young Farmer of the Year.

   A formal presentation to Irving was held at the annual Industry Dinner held during the Maine Potato Blossom Festival in Fort Fairfield, last week.

   Robbie is the son of Steve and Patti Irving from Washburn.  Growing up on the farm, Robbie is the sixth generation of the Irving family to raise potatoes central Aroostook, starting with his great– great– great–grandfather, John in the late 1800s.   Robbie’s great-grandfather, Ken Irving established the “home farm” in Washburn in 1936, and today Irving Farms, Inc. is located in Caribou, where Robbie farms with his uncles Scott and Jeff and with his father until his dad’s recent retirement.

   Robbie and his wife, Meagan have two children, four year-old Carter and 11-month old Evelyn; Carter loves tractors and already is proudly planning to be the seventh generation Irving to be a potato grower in Maine.

   Robbie lived the whole farm experience.  “I was lucky to have grown up on a farm and to have learned what work ethic really means from my parents and uncles,” said Robbie.  “I was on the planter when I was maybe twelve, before school and then after school until dark.  It was real work, but it was also the best learning experience for a kid.”

   After graduating from Washburn High School Robbie was uncertain what he wanted to do.  He attended Husson University in Bangor, majoring in business administration.  “My parents didn’t push me into staying on the farm.  But once I graduated from college, becoming involved in the family farm just seemed to click.  Being a part of our growing operation and having the opportunity to get a few decisions under my belt, I knew this is where I wanted to be.”

   Robbie is vice president of Irving Farms, Inc. as well as logistics coordinator for Irving Farms Marketing and North State Transportation.  He also serves as food safety coordinator for Irving Farms, Inc. and has HACCP certification as well as the SQF 2000 practitioners certification.

   “At Irving Farms we have tried to be at the forefront of the newest technology available to the industry, including GPS and X-ray equipment for internal defects to ensure we are sending the best possible products to our customers,” said Robbie.

  The Irving operation raises 1800 acres of potatoes and grains.  Robbie and his family grow, handle and pack all sizes of white, russet, red, and yellow potatoes for the fresh market, and distribute and market processing potatoes and all varieties of foundation and certified seed and grain from Maine and other Eastern growing origins.  The flagship operations, Irving Farms, Inc. also grows processing potatoes for the french fry market.

  Robbie is also involved with the industry on a policy level, serving on support committees for the Maine Potato Board.   As well as his industry involvement, Robbie is an active participant in his community and is a member of the Bessie Gray United Methodist Church in Caribou.

  Robbie credits much of his enthusiasm to his grandfather, Bob Irving.  “Without him, none of this is happening.”