Value of Maine blueberries continued dip in 2017

CHERRYFIELD, Maine – The value of Maine’s wild blueberries hit its lowest point since 1985 last year.

Wild blueberries, which are smaller than the cultivated kind, are one of the state’s most important agricultural crops. But the industry has struggled with low prices and oversupply in recent years. The Portland Press Herald reports that trend continued in 2017, when the blueberries were worth 26 cents per pound.

U.S. Department of Agriculture data say the estimated value of the harvest fell more than a third to $17.6 million last year. The size of the crop also fell a third last year to 67.8 million pounds.

The industry has struggled with competition from Canada, which produces the same fruit at a lower price. The berries are mostly frozen and used in processed foods.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com