About Us

Nurme Turvas AS a Dutch/Estonian undertaking, has grown to one of the biggest peat producers in Estonia that operates from its central production site located in Nurme Village, Tori Rural Municipality, in Pärnu County, Estonia. Nurme bog is rich in natural peat deposits and surrounded by a pristine bog landscape, providing the ideal setting for premium peat moss production.

We currently manages approximately 1300 hectares of peatlands in 2 locations. Produces up to 1300000 m³ of premium peat moss a year and employees about 90 permanent and 50 seasonal workers. 95% of the production is exported to 35 countries worldwide.

A key feature of our operational efficiency is the on-site packaging and processing plant, located adjacent to the harvesting fields. This facility is equipped with screening, mixing, and baling machinery and an in-house laboratory that allows us to produce consistent, high-quality growing media products tailored to our customers’ needs.

Peat is packaged in multiple formats, including 225L, 250L, and 300L prime bales, as well as 6000L big bales. Customized blends with additives such as lime, fertilizers, wetting agents, osmocote, perlite and clay can be prepared on-site, providing flexibility and added value for specialized agri- and horticulture growers.

Our location provides us with a great logistical advantage to commercial ports like Pärnu, Muuga, and Paldiski. These ports provide vital links to international markets across Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania.

At Nurme we place strong emphasis on product traceability and quality. All packaging is carried out under strict quality control protocols, with the products certified under the RHP quality mark. This certification process ensures that the products meet highest standards in terms of cleanliness, structure, pH levels, and nutrient consistency.

Peat mining in Lavassaare bog (peat deposit) began as early as the beginning of the 20^th century during the first Estonian Republic (1918-1939). Consistent peat production in Nurme started in 1958 with the formation of the Pärnu peat production council.

1950’s

As mentioned consistent peat production in Nurme started in 1958 with the formation of the Pärnu peat production council. The Peat production council as a collective enterprise was formed by 15 collective farms. At the founders meeting the first chairman of the board was elected: Eduard Kirsi. Company office was in Pärnu Hommiku street 2. Composted peat production facility was in Nurme(current location).

Production was done by hand, since the company didn’t have any vehicles in their inventory. New access roads were built and drainage ditches dug. At the end of the first year the company already employed 50 people.

Main products produced where: Sod peat, eighter chunk peat or fine beat and composted peat. In numbers the first year of production amounted to 12279m³ of peat products. The second year of operation saw an increase in production up to 26600 m³ of peat products produced.

1960’s

This period Nurme saw the start of mechanization of the production processes and production of milled peat began. At the end of the decade the company had acquired: 3 dumper trucks for transport, 2 tractor loaders, 8 tractors, 3 scrapers, 2 tracked trolleys and 1 excavator. The first milled peat baller was constructed to produce composted peat.

During this period new facilities like the workshop garage were built and equipped with tools like metal lathes, welding machines etc. for vehicle maintenance and in-house production for spare parts.

During the 60’s yearly production in Nurme rose up to ~100000m³ of peat products produced. Year-to-year production varied greatly depending on the weather conditions and mechanization of production processes. The permanent workforce increased from 50 to 80 people and additional seasonal workers up to 70 people per year.

1970’s

Mechanization continues, new vehicles are purchased such as new dumper trucks, tractors, scrapers and off-road utility vehicles. Also, several tracked trolleys, trailers and peat sledges are built in the in-house workshop.

In 1973 Production of peat with mineral fertilizer begins. A new Peat storage cistern has been installed that is built in the company’s workshop. With the construction of Pärnu pig farm, the production of slurry peat compost begins.

The workshop is expanded during this time, to accommodate the company’s growing number of vehicles. In 1974 the company’s office moves to its current location in Nurme to accommodate the growing number of office workers.

The permanent workforce stayed between 70-80 during the decade. During the 70’s yearly production in Nurme rose up to ~170000m³ of peat products produced. Year to year it seems that sod peat production decreases and is replaced more and more by composted peat, milled peat, peat with mineral fertilizers and composted slurry with peat.

1980’s

Mechanization continues throughout the decade, new vehicles are purchased to increase yield: dumper trucks, tractors, scrapers, turners, windrowers and harvesters, totaling 31 dumper trucks and utility vehicles, 32 tractors, 3 excavators, 1 bus, 6 scrapers, 2 turners, 2 windrowers and 2 harvesters.

New chairman Heino Andla takes over in 1984 from Eduard Kirsi who continues as Vice chairman. A new bigger workshop was constructed, and a second one has opened to accommodate growing needs. A new utility building was constructed at Nurme site. Production of ameliorative peat begins. A new more efficient ash spreader was constructed and installed.

The permanent workforce stayed between 70-80 during the decade. During the 80’s yearly production in Nurme rises to ~150000-300000m³ of peat products produced. By the end of the decade the production of composted slurry with peat end in Nurme. As in previous decades, sod peat production loses its importance, and the company focuses on the production of milled peat, composted peat, ameliorative peat and peat with mineral fertilizers.

1990’s to 2000’s

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and Estonia’s subsequent restoration of independence, the country underwent massive political and economic reforms. One of the key shifts was the dissolution of the centralized, state-run agricultural system. State farms were liquidated, and private ownership was introduced, creating both opportunities and challenges. In the case of peat production, the transition initially led to a sharp decline in output. Many former production sites were abandoned or fell into disrepair, and the sector needed significant reinvestment to become competitive in the new market-driven economy.

At the same time, the fall of the Iron Curtain opened access to Western markets and new technologies. Estonian Peat producers were now able to seek partnerships with foreign investors and benefit from more advanced tools, knowledge, and business practices. This period marked a turning point in the modernization of the industry.

in 1994, that Nurme Turvas AS was established. Formed as a joint Estonian/Dutch venture between local stakeholders and Nevema BV, a Dutch company with expertise in peat production and horticultural substrates.

The newly formed company inherited existing peatlands and infrastructure but rapidly began upgrading its facilities. Soviet-era tools and vehicles were gradually replaced with modern western equipment, which allowed for more efficient harvesting, better product quality, and improved environmental management. Investment was also made in packaging and logistics systems, enabling Nurme Turvas to shift to value-added peat products tailored for export.