Turkish potato import threatens Finnish market

Finland's early potato market faces potential disruption from a substantial import of 500,000 kilograms of Turkish early potatoes. The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK) has expressed strong concerns, urging the Ministry of Agriculture to prevent the shipment's entry into the country.

The import license for industrial potatoes was granted by the licensing agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry to a Helsinki-based import company. However, MTK claims that these potatoes are being offered for retail sale. If the Turkish potatoes reach markets and shops, it could severely impact hundreds of domestic potato farmers, particularly those in areas like Rymättylä and the Turku archipelago who cultivate early potatoes on small plots using expensive techniques.

MTK highlights the difficulty in monitoring the end-use of imported potatoes, as there is no dedicated oversight organization. While the licensing agency can deny future import permits to violators, it struggles to ensure that the potatoes are exclusively used for industrial purposes. The union fears that the influx of cheaper imported potatoes could undermine the profitability of Finnish producers.

Separately, the article touches on the vibrant Finnish film industry, with upcoming productions and ongoing shoots. It also provides health advice for travelers heading to southern destinations, warning about contaminated food and water, and recommending precautions against excessive sun exposure and stomach ailments. The advice includes avoiding tap water in Southern Europe and being cautious with cold foods containing fat and cream, while hot meals are generally safe.