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Maine History Online

Maine History Online

A Maine Historical Society Website

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Farming in Maine

Item 13 of 30
Blueberry burner, Orono, 1979

Blueberry burner, Orono, 1979

Item 10652 info
Maine Historical Society

Washington and Hancock counties are the leading blueberry producers in the state with thousands of acres of field and barrens.

Farmers began freezing berries in 1929. By the end of the 1930s, farmers were selling more fresh berries because of low prices for canned and frozen ones.

Commercial farmers harvest half of their berries each year, cutting back or burning the plants after harvest and harvesting the other half the next year.