Finland berry industry warns of winter shortages

In Finland, individuals can earn tax-free income by selling wild berries and mushrooms they have personally harvested. According to the Finnish Tax Administration (Vero), income from selling unprocessed natural products collected by the individual is exempt from tax and does not need to be reported in tax returns. This exemption applies to private collectors; those employed by companies are subject to standard income tax rules.

Despite these tax advantages, interest in this form of supplemental income remains low. Meanwhile, the berry industry is warning of potential shortages in the winter months. Finnish authorities have rejected most visa applications for foreign berry pickers this season due to concerns regarding worker exploitation and corporate compliance, leading to fears that the lack of foreign labor cannot be compensated for by domestic collectors.