Examining annual variation and utilization of bilberry and cowberry yields nationally and in Eastern Finland

Abstract

In Finland, yields of the most important wild berry species have been monitored since 1990s using the MASI inventory. Previously, nationwide mean annual bilberry and cowberry yields (kg/ha) were estimated using the MASI data collected in 1997–2008 and, consequently, biological yields of an average crop year were calibrated for individual crop years. This study built on existing work by using MASI data collected in 1997–2018. In addition, mean annual berry yields in eastern Finland were estimated for 2001–2018. Mixed methods research was used to cross-check the results against findings from other information sources. It was found that half the regional mean annual cowberry yields were not reliable enough for calibration purposes. Further, biological yields and tentative national utilization rates of bilberries and cowberries in 2011 were estimated. The corresponding regional estimates were also produced for bilberries. In 2011, Finnish households and Thai berry pickers collected 9% of the bilberry yield and 10% of that of cowberries. In eastern Finland, the tentative utilization rate of bilberries was 14%. In 1997–2018, the range of variation in total cowberry yields was larger than in 1997–2008.