Organic potato production in Finland could end if Colorado beetle establishes itself

Organic potato production in Finland could collapse entirely if the Colorado potato beetle establishes a permanent presence, according to the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto).

A large infestation of the pest was discovered this summer in the Lahti region, with control measures already underway. The beetle can defoliate potato plants completely, destroying entire harvests.

Specialist Miia Pasanen of the Food Authority warns that organic potato farming is particularly vulnerable, as no approved plant protection products exist for organic use against the beetle. The pest can arrive in Finland via wind currents but may also overwinter in the soil.

Last year’s discovery in Lahti came late in the season, allowing some beetles to overwinter. This year’s infestation was anticipated, and Pasanen states that control measures have begun and the situation is under control.

The beetle spreads primarily through human activity and goods transport, though climate change may increase natural spread from the south. Other quarantine pests threatening Finnish agriculture include potato cyst nematodes, ring rot, and various bark beetles.

If the Colorado beetle establishes itself, Finland’s seed potato exports outside the EU could be at risk, as importing countries may ban shipments from affected regions. The beetle is already widespread in Europe but remains a quarantine pest in Finland, meaning all outbreaks are eradicated.

Eradication involves pesticide treatment of crops and mechanical treatment of soil to prevent larvae from overwintering. So far, all Finnish outbreaks have been successfully eliminated.