"All processors in the sector are continuing their activities," Antoaneta Bozhinova told the Bulgarian media outlet, Agrozona. He is the Bulgarian Fruit and Vegetable Processors Association's executive director.
"The work is done by the available, often considerably reduced, staff. That is because employers understand the situation mothers with children find themselves in. They have released them en masse, so they can take care of their kids. We are, however, concerned. This is mainly because our production - which is destined for export with already-agreed upon parameters - cannot be carried out."
"That is due to transportation problems. Italy is posing the biggest problem. There, they are trying to find alternative transportation methods. They want to transport the products by railway, using containers. But, the costs are far higher than road transportation," says Antoaneta. He says fruit compote forms the basis of exports to Italy.
According to Bozhinova, most production is destined for the Bulgarian market. It is grown locally and stored in cold stores. Deliveries in the country are proceeding normally. They are just subject to the usual delays. Checks and other reasons cause these.
The current transportation corridors set up between countries have not yet proved effective. That is because delays have been building since the beginning of March. And not all truck drivers are willing to make deliveries in the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus - Italy and Spain.
Source: Agrozona.bg / Agroberichten Buitenland