News

USDA says Maine blueberry growers had a big 2021

USDA says Maine blueberry growers had a big 2021

Photo: clipart.com


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Federal data released this week confirmed that Maine’s wild blueberry growers had a strong season in 2021.

Maine is the only state with commercial-scale wild blueberry growers in the U.S. Growers said last year that they felt the crop bounced back from a disappointing 2020, when they harvested less than 48 million pounds.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released data on Monday that showed the crop was 105 million pounds, the Portland Press Herald reported. Good weather conditions helped growers, who struggled with drought in 2020.

The blueberries also gained value. They were worth nearly 78 cents per pound, which resulted in a total value of more than $80 million, which was almost three times more than 2020, the Press Herald reported.

The blueberries are mostly frozen and are used extensively in frozen and processed food products, such as smoothie mixes. They are among Maine’s most important food products, along with lobsters and potatoes.

Latest Headlines

3 hours ago in Local

Portland Mayor, Council Look to Finally Repurpose Prime Bayside Land

Portland Mayor Mark Dion says city councilors have a number of ideas on how to use the prime real estate in the Bayside community.

18 hours ago in Local

Federal Investigators Now Looking into Fatal Gas Leak at Baileyville Paper Mill

One of the nine other injured people remains hospitalized.

19 hours ago in Local

Firefighters Tackle 3-Alarm Fire at Lisbon Home

The Main State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the blaze.

19 hours ago in Local

Firefighters rescue dog from Windham house fire that left 1 injured

One person was injured and a dog had to be rescued from a fire at a home in Windham Tuesday morning.

19 hours ago in Local

Police in Rockland looking for man who escaped medical facility

Rockland Police are searching for a man who they say escaped from a medical care facility.