Maine  is Number One. Of course we are.  We are blessed with blueberries and lead the nation in blueberry production.
And not only do we harvest more blueberries than anyone, but we are recognized around the world for our blueberries
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But the U.S. Department of Agriculture released data for last year's growing season and it shows a big drop from the previous year's production.
The harvest was off by 26 per cent, and the profits down 30% in 2022 as compared to 2021.
The growing of blueberries is very dependent on weather, and the conclusion is last year's weather was poor.
David Yarborough, a former wild blueberry specialist at the University of Maine told the Portland Press Herald:
With wild blueberries that variability is much greater, so the risk is much greater. We're really at the mercy of Mother Nature. Legislation to support the industry would help extend the life of small family farms.
Last year we had a cold rainy May, and then a dry summer.  We start this year with a drier May, and will see what the rest of the growing season weather looks like.
Weather certainly has been a factor the past few years.
More from David Yarborough:
A blueberry is like a slot machine, it has to come up all perfect growing conditions to hit the jackpot.
The value of the crop last year was just over $55 million, compared to $80 million in 2021.

The value of the blueberry in non monetary terms

Blueberries are low in calories and high in nutrients
Blueberries are one of the best antioxidant foods
Blueberries reduce DNA damage which may help reduce aging and cancer
and Blueberries are so tasty.
Be proud Maine. And hope for a better year this year.

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