Estonia's agricultural sector has long relied on foreign seasonal workers, with a noticeable decline in recent years. The majority of these workers come from Ukraine, Moldova, and other countries, and their presence is tied to the seasonal nature of farm work. The number of permits issued has fluctuated, with a slight decrease this year compared to previous years.
One key factor influencing this trend is the ongoing war in Ukraine. Before the conflict, Belarus was a significant source of seasonal workers, but with Estonia's restricted entry from Belarus, the focus has shifted to other countries.
Raimond Strastin, representing the Estonian Horticultural Association, highlights the challenges of finding and retaining seasonal workers. He explains that while some workers return year after year, there is a high turnover rate, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to find and keep workers. This is partly due to the unpredictable nature of the work, with irregular hours and a reliance on weather conditions.
"The berry-picking schedule doesn't align with the daily rhythm of Estonians," Strastin notes. "In hot weather, picking is done early in the morning or late in the evening, which doesn't fit with the typical Estonian lifestyle."
Additionally, bureaucracy and security checks add to the challenges. The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) requires additional documents, such as school diplomas, which can be difficult to obtain during wartime. This process can delay the arrival of workers, impacting the short window for berry picking and causing significant losses for farmers.
"The PPA's increased scrutiny for security reasons is understandable, but it does create challenges for both workers and farmers," Strastin adds.
The reliance on foreign labor is a result of the local labor shortage, especially during the peak berry season. While some farmers have established relationships with local workers, many prefer to enjoy their summer leisure time rather than engage in the hard work of berry picking.
"It's a delicate balance for farmers," Strastin says. "They need the labor, but it's a challenging and often unappealing job, especially with the irregular hours and physical demands."
This year's berry harvest has been modest, with heavy rains flooding fields and making berries inaccessible. However, foragers like Liisa Kallari have had a different experience, finding an abundance of ripe blueberries in the woods.
"It's a reminder of the variability of nature and the challenges farmers face in predicting and managing their harvests," Strastin reflects.
In conclusion, Estonia's agricultural sector faces a complex situation with its reliance on foreign seasonal workers. The challenges of finding and retaining workers, coupled with the unpredictable nature of the work and the impact of external factors like war and bureaucracy, highlight the vulnerabilities of this system. As the sector navigates these challenges, it will be interesting to see how it adapts and whether alternative solutions can be found to ensure a stable and reliable labor force.
