Title

1999 Annual Agricultural Issue article focusing on Maine's blueberry industry, w

Source

Maine Times

Date

7-15-1999

Pages

7, 8, 9

Abstract

1999 Annual Agricultural Issue article focusing on Maine's blueberry industry, which has an estimated annual value of $65 million to $75 million. That figure doesn't come close to the value of most of Maine's other agricultural products, but blueberrys might be second only to lobsters in terms of nationally recognized Maine foods. The harvest now averages 65 million pounds, which is three times what it was in 1982. According to David Bell, executive director of the Maine Wild Blueberry Commission, about 99 percent of the harvest is frozen immediately, typically using the Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) process. Maine blueberries are exported primarily to Japan, Germany, Canada and throughout the United States. With recent, well-publicized findings that blueberries contain anti-oxidants, which have major health benefits, prices are coming up. A growing market in Japan, where blueberries are believed to combat eyestrain, is also helping sales.

Subjects

Blueberry industry

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