Helsinki- Mink ranchers and greenhouse farmers in western Finland are arguing over the strong glow from artificial lighting used in greenhouses in Narpio, the Hufvudstadsbladet newspaper reported Friday. The mink ranchers argue that the minks get confused over the light that is on 16, 17 hours a day during the winter that disturbs the animals daily life cycle and may also interfere with the March-April mating season.
"Minks need darkness to mate," Kristian Bengts, head of the regional fur farmer association, was quoted as telling the newspaper.
The association has called for a meeting to discuss the problem, while some greenhouse farmers have invested in special blinds to shield neighbours from the bright lights.
Bo Linde, a representative for the regional greenhouse farmers' association, told the newspaper that artificial light is necessary for the production of the tomatoes that Narpio is famed for.
In addition, Linde noted that the bright lights from the greenhouses provided some comfort for elderly people since the local municipal authorities had cut down on street lights over energy saving.
An unnamed inhabitant who lives a few hundred metres from a greenhouse questioned that.
"You can wake up at 2 in the morning over the light from the greenhouse shining into your bedroom. It just says 'poof' and it's day again," he said.
"If you have not drawn the curtains, you can read the newspaper in the middle of the night without turning on your own light. It is worst during cloudy nights."
"There is a lot of talk about the effects on minks, foxes and cows - but what about people's circadian rhythm? Mine is definitely shot," he added.
