The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine is facing challenges, particularly related to increased labor costs, interest on loans, and inflation. To alleviate some of these financial burdens, the commission plans to request a one-year hiatus on the state tax that growers pay.
The Maine state tax on a pound of wild blueberries is currently one and a half cents, with the cost split between the grower and processor. The commission sees this temporary tax relief as a step towards supporting grower profitability. However, they acknowledge that more comprehensive measures may be needed to ensure sustained profitability, as this alone may not be sufficient.
According to Eric Venturini, the executive director of the commission, the costs of inputs for the wild blueberry industry have potentially doubled over the past three years. Other challenges faced by wild blueberry farmers include the lack of price stability, increasing competition, and the impacts of climate change on the growing season.
Venturini expects that the proposed measure will require legislative approval and aims for it to be implemented in time for the 2024 growing season. This initiative reflects an effort to address the economic challenges faced by wild blueberry growers in Maine and sustain the viability of the industry.
Source: www.mainepublic.org