Wild Blueberry Newsletter, December 2019

December 2019

Happy Holidays Wild Blueberry Growers and Processors!

This time of year we are busy writing research reports and planning events. Please register for conferences that you would like to attend as indicated below so we can plan the number of people for lunch. New this year, there will be a grower version of our research reports. Hope to see you this winter!

Ag Trade Show, Augusta Civic Center, January 14-16, 2020

January 16, 2020 Wild Blueberry Pesticide Applicator Section
- 11:30-12:30 Climate Change and Pests (1 PA credit)
  Lily Calderwood, Nancy McBrady, Sean Birkel, and Seanna Annis
- 1:00- 2:00 Pest Management (1 PA credit)
  Phillip Fanning and Seanna Annis
January 16, 2020 Last Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training at $30
- 8:30-5:00 pm (Three pesticide credits are available on completion)
- The $30 fee includes a training manual, breakfast, and lunch.
- Register online by Jan. 10, 2020
- For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Theresa Tilton, or call 207.942.7396
- For other questions about the workshop, contact Robson Machado, or call 207.581.3144

Downeast Agriculture Conference: January 18, 2020 (Snow Date Jan 25)

Location: Lee/Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, ME
Registration is required. $0.00-$50.00 (Contribute what you can)!
- 8:30-9:15   Welcome and Wild Blueberry Family Farm Future, Lily Calderwood
  9:15-10:00   High Tunnel Production, Mark Hutton
  10:00-10:45 Seaweed Production, Jaclyn Robidoux
  10:45-12:00 Grower Panel: Overcoming Challenges in Downeast Maine
  12:00-1:00     LUNCH Catered by Angie’s Catering
  1:00-1:45     Shellfish, Bait Fish, and Shared Waters, Dana Morse and Jaclyn Rabidoux
  1:45-2:30    Distribution of Goods in Downeast ME, Inez Lombardo and Richard East
  2:30-3:15     Value-added and Agri-tourism Ideas, Crystal Hitchings
  3:15-4:15     Discussion: Opportunities for Collaboration

Wild Blueberry Conference: February 22, 2020 (Snow date Feb 29)

Location: Hollywood Casino Hotel, Lancaster Room, Bangor, ME
3 Pesticide Applicator Credits
Registration is required. $0.00-$50.00 (Contribute what you can)!
- 8:30-9:30 UMaine Research Update, Dr. Lily Calderwood, Anthony Ayers and Becky Gumbrewicz
  9:30-10:15 Insect Pest Management, Dr.Phillip Fanning
  10:15-11:00 Mummy Berry, Dr.Seanna Annis
  11:00-11:15 Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine Updates
  11:15-12:00 Grower Panel: Marketing Tips
  12:00-1:00 LUNCH
- Afternoon Session A: Value-added
  1:00-1:30   Fresh-pack Handling, Lily Calderwood and Brogan Tooley
  1:30-2:00    Cooking with Wild Blueberries; Chef Demo, Rob Dumas
  2:10-2:40   Wine Production, Bluet Winery
  2:40-3:10 Sod Production, Shannon Lions
  3:10-4:00   Questions/Discussion
- Afternoon Session B: Production
  1:00-1:30 Tips for Aging Farmers & Their Families, Dick Brzozowski
  1:30-2:00 Warming Impacts on Wild Blueberry Plants, YongJiang Zhang
  2:10-2:40 Foliar Nutrient Sprays, Brogan Tooley, Extension Wild Blueberry Research Assistant
  2:40-3:40 Bee Better Certified, Eric Venturini
  3:40-4:00 Questions/Discussion

Weed Management Webinar Series

My colleague, Anna Wallingford, at the University of New Hampshire has created a Weed Management Webinar series which will be live on Fridays this winter from 12:00-1:00 pm, January 24 – February 21.

Value-added Producer Grants, due March 10, 2020

Applicants must be an Agricultural Producer
There is approximately $37 million in funding currently available
There are two types of grants: Planning and Working Capital with maximum award amounts of $75,000 and $250,000, respectively
Applications will compete nationally
The anticipated award announcement date is July 31, 2020
For more information, Value-added Producer Grants in Maine.