WILD THING
Maine has a wild blueberry tax.
Maine produced 83 million pounds of wild blueberries last year, more than any other state or province in North America, and it’s trying to keep its dominant edge. Anyone who grows, buys, sells or handles the fruit in the state is subject to a three-fourths of a penny per pound tax — revenue that is directed to research and educational programs to help growers improve their crops. In fiscal 2010, the tax generated nearly $1.5 million.