Finland forecasts strong blueberry and lingonberry harvest amid domestic labor shortage

The Natural Resources Institute (Luke) predicts a good blueberry (mustikka) crop this summer, especially in southern Finland, with successful pollination and an early ripening period driven by warm May and June temperatures. Lingonberry (puolukka) is also expected to yield well across the country, following a full flowering season and favorable conditions for pollinators.

At the same time, the Finnish berry‑picking sector faces a labour shortage after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied most visa applications for Thai seasonal pickers, citing concerns over employment conditions, alleged crimes in the industry and suspected cartel activity. The reduction in foreign pickers is expected to increase reliance on domestic harvesters, potentially raising berry prices for consumers and affecting the supply chain.

Overall, the combination of a promising harvest and reduced foreign labour highlights both opportunities for higher domestic berry yields and challenges for the industry’s workforce and market prices.