We conduct an educational program for growers of wild (lowbush) blueberries that stresses the use of best management practices and integrated crop management programs. These methods improve the efficiency of culture and minimize the use of unnecessary pesticides and fertilizers. Grower meetings and field days are used to introduce and reinforce the use of best management practices, integrated crop management and sound business management principles.

Management information is also provided through the Wild Blueberry Newsletter, through fact sheets in the Wild Blueberry Growers Guide, by telephone and correspondence, and through field visits. County office staff provide support for blueberry initiatives.

We also collaborate with the Blueberry Research Advisory Committee, Maine Blueberry Commission, and Wild Blueberry Association of North America on blueberry related matters. UMaine Extension staff work in partnership with county (Soil and Water Conservation Districts), state (Department of Agriculture, Board of Pesticides Control), and federal agencies (United States Department of Agriculture, IR-4) on blueberry projects.