Peat production in Finland is decreasing significantly, with employment in the sector dropping from 2,300 full-time equivalent jobs in 2019 to just 400-500 now.
Despite the dramatic reduction in jobs in the peat production sector in Finland, with current employment down to 400-500 from 2,300 in 2019, entrepreneurs like Marko Vainionpää continue to operate in the industry. Vainionpää notes that there is no turning back to the former levels of peat usage, especially with energy companies like Alva indicating that their last winter for burning peat is upon them. He reflects on the impact of changing energy policies and market demands on local peat producers.
Interestingly, there has also been a resurgence in peat use for heating due to exceptionally cold weather this winter, showing a complex dynamic in energy consumption where some energy plants have reverted to burning peat and wood to meet demand. Vainionpää himself raises peat, but he highlights the challenges faced by many producers, noting that half of the entrepreneurs in Southern Ostrobothnia have disappeared and larger companies are closing bogs as the market contracts.
Ultimately, the situation for peat producers in Finland presents a challenging landscape marked by evolving energy needs and environmental concerns. While there are current opportunities for exporting peat for agricultural purposes, such as growing Spanish tomatoes, the future sustainability of the peat industry remains uncertain as businesses adapt to significant shifts in energy policy and environmental considerations.
