blueberry farms (Caribou, Cooper: home, university, income)

[inthedark]

Hi all,

Would the idea of moving to Maine to start a small blueberry farm be a really bad idea?

Thanks,
Frank

[Submariner]

So long as you have some other source of income, it is not a bad idea at all.

[kellysmith]

the blueberry that Maine is famous for is a low bush variety. It will be found in nature at higher elevations on mountains. It is on the blueberry barrens downeast that you find it commercially grown. Not to say that you couldn't find a piece of land suitable to grow this variety, but I would guess most suitable barrens are part of the large commercial growers' operations in the area. You could grow high bush blueberrys, but would have a hard time marketing them without some true in advertising. When you speak of Maine blueberry's not many people think of the high bush variety. They are larger and no where near as sweet as the low bush variety. Take a trip downeast and visit some barrens if you plan on being a blueberry grower.

[maineguy8888]

We have something like what you're talking about in Caribou that seems to do well (Circle-B Farms). They do high bush blueberries, and also grow a few other crops as well. THey do pick-your-own and also sell to area retailers.

[maureenb]

Nice info on blueberries from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension at:
Wild Blueberry Home Page