Finland is expecting more than 10,000 foreign seasonal workers this year, mainly from Thailand, Ukraine, and Russia, local media YLE reports.
The foreign seasonal workers have already begun arriving at Finnish farms and greenhouses as the country prepares for three times more workers than last year. According to domestic producers, planning has been much easier compared to last spring when it was still unclear if foreign workers would be allowed into Finland.
This year the availability of labor was guaranteed early enough so they have been able to plan ahead with much more certainty.
According to Marko Mäki-Hakola, Director of Business Development at The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, workers are after arrival in Finland transported directly to their workplaces in a corona-safe way and quarantined on the premises. Workers are also tested for covid-19 again after arriving in the country.
In addition to foreign labor, farms also need domestic seasonal workers. Altogether this year, an estimated 16,000 seasonal workers will be needed throughout Finland.
