António Gomes, president of the Interprofessional Association of Horticulture of the West (AIHO), a region where most of the production is concentrated, told the Lusa agency that there are "logistical problems to get the products to their destination".

The leader explained that there is a lack of drivers because they are quarantined, because they are taking care of their children at home, following the closure of schools, and for fear of traveling to countries like Spain or Italy.

Logistical difficulties are also related to the closure of catering establishments and bathrooms at service stations, during international travels.

Despite everything, he pointed out, the sector "is not yet retaining products" and "continues to produce".

"Last week, with the rush to supermarkets, there was an increase in demand for food products and the sector is responding," he said.


It is estimated that more than half of the national production of vegetables is produced in the municipalities of the Western region.

The sector has a turnover of around 500 million euros and employs between seven and eight thousand workers, both on agricultural holdings and in product processing and processing centers, estimated the Interprofessional Association of Horticulture of the West.

The West region consists of the municipalities of Alcobaça, Bombarral, Caldas da Rainha, Nazaré, Óbidos and Peniche, in the district of Leiria, and by Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos, Cadaval, Lourinhã, Sobral de Monte Agraço and Torres Vedras, in the district of Lisbon.


In Portugal, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) today raised the number of confirmed cases of infection to 448, 117 more than on Monday, the day on which the first death occurred in the country.

The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, called a meeting of the State Council for Wednesday, to discuss the possible decision to enact a state of emergency.

Portugal has been on alert since Friday, and the Government has put civil protection means and security forces and services on standby.

Among the measures to contain the pandemic, the Government suspended classroom activities in all schools and imposed restrictions on commercial establishments and transportation.

The Government also announced the control of land borders with Spain, and there are now nine crossing points and exclusively destined for the transport of goods and workers who have to travel for professional reasons.