Cloudberry 2002–2004
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

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. This was to be done in order to improve livelihood, operational possibilities and the availability of raw materials for rural businesses. The main emphasis of the project was on developing cloudberry farming into financially profitable berry production.

Main activities

• Expanding of established cloudberry farms and improvement of farming technologies, • Conduction of profitability calculations and marketing plans for every participating farm, • Arranging of courses and educational trips, • Creating an uninterrupted quality chain for natural berries, from picking to refiner and consumer, in both Finland and Russia. • Further development of refining and finding new uses for special berries.

Achievements

The main emphasis of the project was on developing cloudberry farming into financially profitable berry production. The farming technique was further developed as a joint effort and crops were planted both in open fields and in greenhouses. Farming opportunities were also assessed using profitability calculations, and rights for environmental subsidies for cloudberries and cranberries were successfully negotiated. Research on ecological properties of cloudberries, provision of information and courses and educational trips also contributed to the development work. New entrepreneurs demonstrated an increase of interest in growing cloudberries, and those that had already done so wanted to increase the crop area of their farms. Over 140 current and future entrepreneurs were trained during the project. The latest research information regarding farming cloudberries was transferred to the businesses participating in the project. In addition, these businesses also learnt about product development and marketing. Entrepreneurs were motivated to undertake further product refining and development, and markets were sought through international cooperation and market research. Actual product development goals were not achieved during the project; however, product development was successfully initiated for fresh berries, frozen berries and berry products. The quality supply chain for picked natural cloudberries was initiated. The information capital gained by advisory and training segment can be utilised in the future. Following the project, similar training has been provided in different parts of Finland. The project’s operational model was seen as a success and it is hoped that the development work will be continued in the future through a new project. The project Special Berries to the Market governed by ProAgria Kainuu did in fact receive funding for the years 2005–2007.