Maine blueberry farmers hopeful for 2026 after ‘devastating’ losses last year

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 5, 2026

A change in the weather could still create a bad turn as the Down East blueberry harvest continues this month. Maine farmers provide almost all of the country’s domestic supply of wild blueberries, which play a big role in the region’s economy. Still, numerous growers said things are looking better on the barrens than they did last year. They’re hoping the weather cooperates while still trying to recover from 2025 — and in some cases, reconsider how they operate amid years of economic and climate headwinds.