The president of the National Society of Agriculture (SNA), Ricardo Ariztia , analyzed in conversation with EmolTV the impact that the coronavirus has had on the food industry sector, ensuring that it is operating in a "normal" way.

Agriculture is working according to its capacities and the season in which we are”, he stressed, adding that "agriculture is dedicated to supplying consumers throughout the country, it is working, the roads are working (...) I have no observations in terms of operation, continuity and seeing that we are moving forward".

"We transmit that to consumers, the peace of mind that they see that the food is indeed arriving," he added.

Regarding a possible stoppage in jobs that the health crisis may generate, Ariztía said that "I don't see a decrease that is observed in the medium term."

“We have seen some stoppages of sales in nurseries, however, they are minor within the projection that is being made on the development of agriculture. On the other hand, we see a lot of demand from world markets. Today, due to the circumstances we are going through, our export products, except wine, have had a normal flow of dispatch to the countries, ”he assured.

In this sense, the former president of the Confederation of Production and Commerce (CPC) emphasized that "we have a lot of job offers, for people who are left in other areas without any hitches, and the natural tendency is to go to agriculture to Search for a job".

Asked if this phenomenon could cause a decrease in wages in agriculture, he explained that "it is possible (...) if people appear who are willing to work for less. We hope it doesn't happen, but it is something that one cannot control or fix. It depends on the conscience of each one of the workers and farmers”.

Regarding a possible price rise, the highest authority of the SNA stressed that "If there is a shortage, prices will rise, but today we do not see a shortage of any product, and if there is a shortage of any, it is because the production process is ending.