A Glimpse at the Finnish Peat Industry during Study Tours and Field Trips

摘要

The Association of Finnish Peat Industries organized two field trips to various stakeholders in summer 2007. In June approximately 30 people from different organizations visited Vapo Oy's peat production site "Isosuo" in Punkalaidun, and a combined heat and power station utilising biomass fuels in Forssa in the south-western part of the country. The second trip to Northern Ostrobothnia, the biggest "peat region" of Finland, attracted about 50 people to see Turveruukki Oy's peat production and after-use of cut-away peat production sites. Also the world's largest peat power station, Kanteleen Voirha Oy, in Haapavesi was visited. Finnish peat business is based on family-entrepreneurship. In Isosuo we met the main contractor, Mr. Juha Raininko and his son who literally is following in his father's footsteps in peat harvesting. "My main job is to work as a farmer but peat production gives me a valuable source of additional income and allows an efficient utilisation of expensive machinery. I have been working in the peat business since 1985", Mr. Raininko explained to his audience. Furthermore he wants to encourage young people into the peat business. "Modern machines are very efficient but also comfortable partners snd new development ideas are always welcome." Juha Raininko himself has been actively involved in developing peat harvesting machinery together with Vapo Oy.