Finnish strawberry harvest hit by pollinator shortage and vole damage

The main harvest of Finnish open-field strawberries has begun, with warm Midsummer weather accelerating ripening, Yle reports.

Growers in central Finland report below-average plant sizes after a low-snow winter caused root damage. A shortage of pollinators during flowering and vole infestations further reduced yields.

At Pynnösen marjatila in Kangasniemi, Silja and Mika Hyytiäinen are now in the peak of strawberry season. The fruit must be picked before the farm’s redcurrants, blackcurrants, and raspberries ripen. Their strawberries—varieties Verdi, Allegro, Falco, and Twist—will reach market readiness over the next three weeks.

Early warm spring initially suggested an exceptionally early harvest, but cool spells delayed ripening. The crop is now maturing roughly on schedule, only 4–5 days ahead of average.

Cold, windy conditions during flowering limited pollinator activity, cutting into the harvest. The Hyytiäinens rented a beehive to help, though more would have been needed. Voles also damaged plants over winter, ruling out a record yield this year.

Marjo Marttinen, a specialist in special crop cultivation at ProAgria, notes that in southern Savonia and the southern parts of Central Finland, strawberries are already being sold in punnets. The main harvest will begin next week.

Current regional weather favours ripening, though heavy hail or prolonged damp conditions could promote grey mould, harming the crop.