Finland sees decline in foreign berry pickers as locals encouraged to reconnect with tradition

The berry-picking season is in full swing, yet Finland has seen a notable decrease in the number of foreign berry pickers this summer. Birgitta Partanen, director of the Arctic Flavors Association, suggests that if every third working-age individual in Finland picked just one bucket of berries, the industry’s demand could be met without relying on foreign workers.

The perception of berry picking has shifted over the years. Traditionally, berries were foraged from the wild primarily for personal use. Currently, Yle is seeking to collect the best and worst memories of Finns related to their childhood berry-picking experiences. Individuals are encouraged to share their stories through an online form, detailing how these experiences impacted them.

Questions posed to participants include whether they were forced into the woods as children to collect berries or mushrooms, and if they enjoyed the activity or avoided it entirely. There’s also an opportunity to reflect on whether their attitudes have changed over time.

Responses will be handled confidentially by the editorial team and deleted after the project concludes. Participants can also express their preference for being contacted by Yle’s reporters, should they wish to share more detailed memories about their experiences in berry forests.

The initiative emphasizes the cultural significance of berry picking in Finland while also addressing the current industry challenges concerning labor shortages.