Page 2 - Eric Venturini News Today

The wild blueberry is Maine's official state berry, and it's the subject of the promotional Wild Blueberry Weekend on Aug. 5 and 6.

The nation's production of wild blueberries slipped a bit last year as some growers in Maine contended with drought.

The nation's production of wild blueberries slipped a bit last year as some growers contended with drought. Wild blueberries are smaller than their cultivated cousins and are widely used in frozen and processed products such as smoothie mixes. Maine is the only state in the U.S. where the blueberries are harvested commercially.

Maine blueberry growers have faced numerous challenges in recent years, including fickle markets, climate change and competition from Canada.

The size of Maine’s wild blueberry harvest dropped by 26 percent, or 27.5 million pounds, in 2022 after hitting a near-record harvest the previous year, according to U.S. Department of

Exports of Maine’s frozen wild blueberries to Japan have declined as a result of a tariff that favors competitors like Canada and the European Union.

The state's 2022 crop was valued at $55.5 million, a decrease from $80.3 million in 2021. Experts say the fluctuations are increasing and a result of climate change.

The state's 2022 crop was valued at $55.5 million, a decrease from $80.3 million in 2021. Experts say the fluctuations are increasing and a result of climate change.

Employers currently have to pay a $460 petition fee per guest worker when applying for an H-2A or H-2B visa. The proposed rule would increase this to $1,080 and $1,090 for H2A and H-2B visa petitions. 

Application fees for H-2A and H-2B visas could more than double this year