U.S. government agrees to help Maine wild blueberry industry

PORTLAND, Maine -- The federal government again is trying to prop up the wild-blueberry industry in Maine, where sagging prices jeopardize one of the state's longest-standing agricultural industries.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved up to $10 million to purchase surplus Maine blueberries, the members of Maine's congressional delegation said.

Wild blueberries are one of the most important crops in Maine, but the industry is struggling with a steep decline in the prices paid to farmers.

The industry is challenged by oversupply after years of big harvests and competition from Canada, where the dollar is weaker.

"Maine wild-blueberry growers are a resilient group, but global supply and pricing pressures are seriously impacting our business today," said Roy Allen, a fourth-generation grower and processor in Ellsworth.

The USDA's purchase is the second of its kind in as many years. It allotted up to $13 million to buy surplus blueberries last year. The congressional delegation said Thursday the USDA's purchase hopefully will help farmers by stabilizing prices.

The delegation requested the USDA purchase berries earlier this year.

The fruit will be distributed to charitable groups such as food banks.

"This investment to alleviate the supply issue, combined with the industry's efforts to boost demand, will help create new opportunities for wild-blueberry growers and support a bright future for this unique Maine crop," the delegation said in a statement.

The USDA has said growers received 27 cents per pound for the blueberries last year, down 19 cents from 2015 and 33 cents from 2014.

Wild blueberries are smaller than the more common cultivated blueberries. The vast majority of the crop is frozen.

The industry and state officials are collaborating to find new markets for the blueberries to help with the oversupply.

The industry is looking to target food service, restaurant chains and food-manufacturing businesses, said Nancy McBrady, executive director of the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine.