Blueberries play a huge role in Maine’s identity. We’ll learn about wild and highbush blueberries, how farmers grow and market their crops, any new uses for this iconic Maine product, and what blueberries mean for Maine’s culture and economy.
This is part of Maine Calling’s yearlong focus on topics that reflect what is iconic in Maine.
Guests
Lily Calderwood, Ph.D., extension wild blueberry specialist, assistant professor of horticulture, University of Maine
David T. Handley, Ph.D., vegetable and small fruit specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Greg Bridges (by phone), owner, Bridges Wild Maine Blueberry Farm
Sam Blackstone (by phone), Circle B Farms in Caribou
Bruce Hall (by phone), Wyman's agronomist
Resources
- Maine's Abnormally Wet Spring Could Mean Smaller, Rotting Crops At Local Farms
- Press Herald: Tough times for blueberry growers reflect global struggles
- UMaine Cooperative Extension: Growing Highbush Blueberries
- UMaine Cooperative Extension: Frequently Asked Questions for High Bush Blueberries
- Maine Blueberry Festivals in 2019
- New York Times: Blueberries May Promote Heart Health
- The Atlantic: Superfoods Are a Marketing Ploy
- Quoddy Times: Tribe’s blueberry company awarded $1.76 million in lawsuit
- Ellsworth American: Law will give blueberry growers more say on commission
- Bangor Daily News: How these Maine men took a struggling blueberry market and turned it into brandy