Vietnamese Immigrant Picks Hundreds of Kilograms of Blueberries in Finnish Forests

Vinh Quang La, who immigrated to Finland from Vietnam, has become a familiar sight in the forests of Porvoo and Sipoo during the summer months. Working as an X-ray machine installer, La dedicates his annual summer leave to an activity that benefits both him and the local community: picking blueberries.

Each year, La collects hundreds of kilograms of blueberries, which he then sells to customers in Helsinki. His dedication to this seasonal harvest is significant, providing a fresh, local product for consumers. He operates with a sense of urgency, often heading out to deliver the previous day's collection to clients.

Interestingly, La observes that Finnish berry pickers are rarely seen in the forests where he gathers his bounty. He has heard from some locals that they lack the energy or physical strength required for extensive berry picking. This observation highlights a potential gap in local participation in a traditional summer activity, a gap that La's efforts help to fill.

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They have said that their strength is not enough, that they don't have the energy to pick.