Finland rejects most berry picker visas, risking crop loss and price hikes

Finland has rejected about 1,400 of 2,200 seasonal work visa applications for foreign berry pickers, Yle reports, leaving the industry warning of a crisis as this year’s harvest may go uncollected and prices rise.

The majority of applications were processed at Finland’s Bangkok embassy. Birgitta Partanen, executive director of industry group Arktiset Aromit, called the situation incomprehensible and said at least some businesses may close.

Kristel Nybondas of the Rural Employers’ Federation criticised authorities for failing to warn the sector sooner. With too few pickers, she said, berries will rot in the forests and retail prices will climb.

Companies report no time to arrange alternatives. Janne Piikivi of Kiantama in northern Finland said processing levels may need to rise, while Arto Aholainen of Maukkaat Marjat noted reduced supply will push costs up.

Industry groups now urge Finns to pick wild berries themselves to prevent shortages in frozen and processed products later in the year.