Raspberry harvest thrives as Finland returns to typical summer weather

Finnish raspberry growers are reporting an exceptionally strong harvest this year, with ideal weather conditions restoring what one farmer called a “normal Finnish summer.”

Simo Rasimus, a berry farmer in Imatra, told Yle that consistent rainfall and moderate temperatures have produced plump, high-quality raspberries. “We’ve returned to what you might call normal Finnish summer weather,” he said. “I’ve spoken to other growers, and everyone is satisfied with the conditions we’ve had.”

Jenni Kurvonen, an expert at the Finnish Fruit and Berry Growers’ Association, confirmed that both wild and cultivated raspberries are yielding well. The peak of the harvest season is now underway.

Raspberries bear fruit on two-year-old canes, and last year’s conditions were favorable for cane development. This summer’s rains have further boosted growth, resulting in larger, juicier berries. Pollinators have also been active during the raspberry flowering period, aiding the crop.

While raspberries thrive in temperatures around 20°C by day and 10°C at night, with moderate rainfall preferably overnight, excessive moisture remains their greatest threat, Rasimus noted.

Finland cultivates around five raspberry varieties. The berries are low in calories but rich in magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and folate, as well as dietary fiber beneficial for digestion. Fresh raspberries should be stored in a refrigerator at 2–5°C for as short a time as possible, preferably in a shallow container to prevent crushing.

Climate change may introduce new challenges, including unpredictable growing conditions and plant protection issues, Kurvonen warned. Low-snow winters could complicate overwintering for open-field crops, as snow provides insulation against frost.

Tunnel cultivation has become more common in the past decade, extending the harvest season and stabilizing growing conditions. Some raspberries are also grown in greenhouses, allowing domestic production to begin as early as June.

Rasimus, who sells his raspberries commercially, said demand has been strong. “The more people talk about raspberries, the more they seem to buy,” he said. Prices have remained stable.