Farmers report mixed blueberry season
This year's blueberry crop was a mixed bag for farmers, but a worldwide shortage could lead to higher prices for Maine producers.
A cold, rainy spring impacted some blueberry growers, cutting their harvest by one-third to one-half of last year's, according to the Bangor Daily News. Annie Allen of Allen's Wild Blueberries in Blue Hill said the spring rain hit as the berries were blossoming, deterring honeybees and hindering pollination. Meanwhile, Northeastern Blueberry Co. in Columbia Falls reported a longer-than-usual harvest, and Jasper Wyman and Sons in Milbridge also saw a good crop.
As for prices, a poor season for cultivated blueberries in Michigan and New Jersey could mean higher prices for Maine blueberries, Allen told the paper. Edward Flanagan, president of Jasper Wyman, said last year's high demand left Maine producers with little inventory going into the 2011 season, which can also contribute to a price increase. He expected producers to get $2 a pound, about 40 to 50 cents higher than last year. Maine's blueberry crop has an annual value of about $190 million.
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