Cloudberry 2002–2004

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The availability of high-quality natural and special berries varies a great deal from year to year. Berries being imported from Russia and domestic and Russian cloudberries becoming intermixed also affect the quality of the available berries. In order to improve the availability of berries, the ‘Cloudberry Farming and Base Selection Trial 1999–2000’ project was implemented, during which the possibility for cloudberry farming was researched. The goal of the Cloudberry 2002– 2004 project was to develop cloudberry farming and the picking of cloudberries and other natural berries and to develop the product concept in cooperation with a Russian partner in order to improve livelihood, operational possibilities and the availability of raw materials for rural businesses. The intention was to focus on the risk factors of farming, including pests, diseases, weeds, weak pollination and frost. Established cloudberry farms were planned to be expanded and farming technologies improved. The development work was to be done using farm crops and an experiment developed earlier at a research station. If necessary, natural cloudberry plots were also to be used. A profi tability calculation and marketing plan was to be made for every participating farm. The ultimate goal of the project was to develop a new farm plant for initial production, create marketable products for entrepreneurs and increase consumption of berries and berry products. It was necessary to create an uninterrupted quality chain for natural berries, from picking to refiner and consumer, in both Finland and Russia. It was estimated that the demand for fresh berries and berry products would be increased through further development of refining and by finding new uses for special berries.

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