Fire in northern Finland destroys 4.2 million kilograms of seed potatoes
A warehouse complex holding 4.2 million kilograms of seed potatoes burned down in Tyrnävä, northern Finland, overnight into 6 November. The Finnish Food Authority warns that supplies of high-quality seed will be affected for several years.
A fire in the municipality of Tyrnävä in North Ostrobothnia, northern Finland, destroyed four warehouse halls and 4.2 million kilograms of seed potatoes overnight into 6 November. The loss equals almost one fifth of the country's annual seed potato output, and the Finnish Food Authority, Ruokavirasto, warns that the availability of high-quality seed will be affected for several years.
The fire and the damage
According to Finland's public broadcaster Yle, the flames wrecked a warehouse complex of about 4,000 square metres. A passer-by alerted the police to the burning buildings at 1:41 a.m. On 12 November, the newspaper Kaleva, citing Oulu police, reported that total losses are estimated at nearly ten million euros. The figure is higher because a new sorting line was being installed at the site, and because of the cost of handling the damaged potatoes. Police are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Why the effects will last
Seed potatoes are tubers intended for planting, from which the next crop is grown. Certified seed is inspected to ensure the purity of the variety and to limit the spread of diseases and pests. On 11 November the Food Authority explained that high-category seed potato lots were also destroyed, so the losses cannot be made up within a single season. The agency forecasts an impact on the supply of high-quality seed lasting several years and, most likely, a drop in exports.
Tyrnävä, together with the neighbouring municipality of Liminka, forms a "High Grade" seed potato growing area. There are only four such areas in Europe. The cold climate and the relatively low prevalence of harmful organisms create favourable conditions for growing healthy seed.
No problem expected for consumers
Ruokavirasto does not expect consumers to feel the effects of the fire or for them to show up on dinner tables. Industry representatives, the ministry and the Food Authority are looking for solutions, including increasing production and importing seed potatoes from abroad while taking plant health risks into account.
The potatoes damaged in the fire most likely cannot be used even as ordinary biowaste, since Yle reports they may be contaminated with extinguishing chemicals and other fire debris. The volume, which exceeds the load of one hundred lorries with trailers, is to be taken to a waste management centre.
