The economically most significant and most popular berry species in Finland, Sweden and Norway are cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), bilberry (V. myrtillus), cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) and raspberry (R. idaeus). They are primarily forest and mire species habiting various forest and peatland site types. Cowberry is the most important household berry in Finland and it also provides the most abundant yield. Bilberry takes first place in Sweden and Norway.
The majority of the best edible mushrooms occur on dry, dryish or moist upland forests. Most of them are mycorrhizal species that accompany pine (Pinus sylvestris), spruce (Picea abies) and the birches (Betula pendula, B. pubescens). Three mushroom species: ceps (Boletus edulis, Suillus luteus) and chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) are considered to be the best edible mushrooms in all the Nordic countries.
The main yield of Sweden's foremost household berries (cowberry, bilberry, cloudberry) has been calculated to be 485 million kg. The corresponding figure for Finland for an average year is 450 million kg but it can be in good yield year 730 million kg. The value of edible wild berries amounts to about FIM 450 million (USD 100 million) and that of edible mushrooms FIM 120 million (USD 26 million).
Finland and Sweden are the Nordic countries where rights of public access (in Finland the term is translated as Everyman's rights) are recognized. Norway, Denmark and Iceland have more restrictions. It means that citizens of Finland and Sweden have right of free access to outdoor areas, where they can pick wild berries, mushrooms, herbs and flowers.
Income earned from the sales of wild berries, mushrooms and herbs is tax-free in Finland. In Sweden, people have to pay taxes for all kinds of income including picking berries and mushrooms. However, it is possible to sell up to SEK 5000 (USD 670) per person without paying taxes.
Key words: berry, mushroom, yield, public access.
Correspondence: Kauko Salo, Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Research Station, P.O.Box 68, FIN-80101 Joensuu, Finland
Telefax: +358-73-1514567
E-mail: kauko.salo@metla.fi