Why is harvesting seabuckthorn so difficult and what should I know first?

The main practical challenge with seabuckthorn is harvesting, the shrubs are very thorny, the small berries are densely packed and burst easily, and picking is slow and labour-intensive, which limits how much one person can harvest. Methods used include careful hand picking, cutting fruiting branches, and in some places freezing branches to shake off berries, each with trade-offs for the plant and the fruit. Because labour is the big constraint, factor in harvest cost and availability before planting a large area. It is otherwise hardy and low-input, surviving harsh cold-desert conditions. Also confirm you have male plants for pollination and a selling or processing route. Verify the recommended harvesting practices and realistic labour needs for your area with your KVK and the regional research institute.