Finland has long been dependent on imported fresh berries to satisfy the growing demand outside of the summer season. In fact, almost half of the fresh raspberries consumed in Finland, a market valued at €17 million annually, are imported from warmer climates such as Morocco and Portugal. This heavy reliance on imports is due to the challenging conditions of long winters with minimal natural daylight, which pose a significant obstacle to fresh berry cultivation in Finland.
However, recent trials conducted at the Natural Research Institute Finland (Luke) Piikkiö have shown promising results. These trials suggest that raspberries can thrive under controlled conditions, producing high yields with exceptional fruit quality. A research project led by Tuomo Laine, a horticulture specialist at Luke Piikkiö research station and a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, aims to make year-round raspberry production in Finland a reality. Laine, inspired by Professor Timo Hytönen’s group’s successful strawberry research, is determined to overcome the challenges associated with year-round raspberry cultivation.
Unlike strawberries and blackberries, which can be produced off-season in controlled environments, raspberries present a unique challenge due to their specific growth requirements. The research team is focused on understanding the conditions necessary for successful winter growth of raspberries. This includes selecting the right plant materials that do not rely on traditional practices, optimizing light strategies to compensate for the lack of natural daylight, and implementing climate control and resource management techniques to ensure healthy plant growth.
One key aspect of the research is the selection of plant material that does not require chilling in cold storage before growth. The team aims to develop plant materials that can thrive in a year-round production system without relying on current practices. Additionally, artificial lighting is essential for winter production, as raspberries require high light intensities. The research team is working with Greenlux-Valoya, a leading horticultural lighting company, to test different lighting strategies that balance energy efficiency with optimal plant growth and fruit quality.
Climate control and resource management are also crucial factors in successful year-round raspberry cultivation. By managing environmental conditions, including light quality, irrigation, and fertigation recipes, the research team aims to achieve higher quality yields than traditional summer production. Collaboration with Yara Finland is planned to optimize these conditions for maximum plant health and productivity.
Sustainability is a key focus of the research project, with a particular emphasis on exploring peat-free substrates for raspberry cultivation. Peat extraction is environmentally taxing, and transitioning to renewable growing media aligns with Finland’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. The team is working with Fibergrow Norway to find alternatives that support strong root development and plant health while reducing environmental impact.
Despite the challenges of high energy consumption and cost concerns, early trials have shown promising results in terms of yield quality and consistency. The research team is optimistic about the potential for commercial scalability and cost-effectiveness once solid data is gathered. Advanced imaging methods will be used to measure photosynthetic source-sink effects and improve efficiency and sustainability.
Looking ahead, the research project will enter a new phase in autumn 2025, with larger-scale experiments testing novel lighting, plant material selection, and fertigation strategies. The ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable and profitable year-round raspberry production system in Finland, building on the success of the country’s productive greenhouse sector in controlled environment agriculture. In today’s fast-paced business world, effective communication is more important than ever. Whether it’s interacting with clients, collaborating with colleagues, or leading a team, clear and concise communication is key to success. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and missed opportunities, while effective communication can foster trust, build strong relationships, and drive positive outcomes.
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