Bad news for pie lovers. Maine’s wild blueberry crop is likely to be much smaller this year than in recent summers because the industry is contending with troubles such as disease and a lack of pollination. The New England state is the wild blueberry capital of the U.S. In recent years, crop sizes have soared and prices have plummeted. The crop grew a little less than one percent last year to almost 102 million pounds (46 million kilograms), while prices hit a 10-year low of 27 cents per pound to farmers. University of Maine horticulture professor David Yarborough says that is changing this year. He says “mummy berry” disease and other factors could cut the crop as much as 36 percent this summer. Because oversupply has been driving down prices in recent years, the farmers had already decreased their efforts with the fruit crop. Yarborough said a shortage of bees and other pollinators…
Day Without Immigrants felt by restaurants nationwide
In a show of solidarity, immigrants around the country stayed home from work and school Thursday to demonstrate how important they are to America’s way of life—and America’s economy. The nationwide protest has been called A Day Without Immigrants, reported the Associated Press. The effects have been felt most strongly by the restaurant industry, which employs nearly 12 million people with immigrants making up the majority—that applies to both fast food and fine dining. The number increases to 70% in cities the major cities like New York, according to the Restaurant Opportunities Center United. The protest has been aimed at President Donald Trump’s efforts to crack down on immigration, both legal and illegal. Historically, the food industry has been a first step toward a financially stable life for newcomers to America. Immigrants who have been able to open successful restaurants and grocery stores often started as dishwashers, servers and line cooks in other restaurants. All…