Keijo and Konsta Pirkola operate a longstanding family farm in Tyrnävä, Finland, a region recognized as a high-grade area for seed potato cultivation. The farm, founded in 1850, transitioned from cattle to seed potatoes in the 1980s under Keijo's father, who identified the sandy soil as ideal for this crop. Today, Keijo and Konsta maintain the farm's focus on modern techniques and diversification, growing seed potatoes along with barley, oats, feed peas, fibre hemp, and oil radish. Their collaboration with HZPC, following the acquisition of Kantaperuna, allows them to cultivate varieties like Annabelle, Asterix, Colomba, Sunita, and Timo for local and export markets.
The northern Finnish climate offers favorable conditions for seed potato production, though challenges such as dry summers and rainy autumns persist. Keijo notes the low crop prices relative to production costs, hoping for better remuneration aligned with quality. Despite these challenges, the demand for quality seed potatoes suggests a promising trajectory for their business.
Keijo and Konsta share a commitment to technological advancement on the farm. Konsta, studying agrology, is gradually taking on more responsibilities, while Keijo leverages his skills in machinery to build and enhance equipment. The Pirkolas aim to integrate automation and precision farming to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.
Finland's high-grade area status, shared with regions like the Portuguese Azores and Ireland, supports the production of pathogen-free seed potatoes, benefiting from cold winters and firm ground frosts that minimize pathogen pressure. This status, enforced by the Finnish Food Authority, underpins the quality and export potential of Finnish seed potatoes.
HZPC Finland oversees 350 hectares of the over 1,000 hectares designated for seed potato production, with popular varieties including Annabelle and Colomba. The short but intense Finnish growing season, characterized by 24-hour daylight in summer, allows for planting in mid-May and harvesting by September, contributing to the region's robust seed potato industry.
Source: HZPC News
