Extremadura's tomato season starts at the end of this month. According to UPA-UCE, the region is expected to produce 2.2 million tons, a significantly higher volume than the previous year. More than 1,500 truck journeys will be made daily between the fields and the processing plants. This means approximately 100,000 rides by the end of the season in early October.
The Spanish government has drawn up a road safety plan that, among other things, provides for strengthening truck checks. According to José Luis Quintana, a government delegate, controls increased by 24% and complaints fell by 11% last year. However, fines for overloading and dumping tomatoes increased.
Even though the campaign started late, during a meeting with producer organizations and transporters, Ignacio Huertas, Secretary General of UPA-UCE, asked not to intensify inspections during production peaks so as not to hinder the harvest. Huertas also highlighted the continued efforts made by producers to improve tomato transportation, evidenced by the reduction in the number of accidents. Only four were registered last year.
However, producer organizations have expressed concern about the condition of some roads, which they describe as deplorable and which increases risks and fines for transporters. Despite knowing that the Junta de Extremadura and the municipal authorities are responsible for repairing these roads, Huertas conveyed these concerns to the government delegate, who agreed to pass them on to the competent authorities.
"We apologize in advance to the people because we have to move more than 2.2 million tons in a few months. It's an inconvenience, but this is a fundamental sector for the prosperity and employment of Extremadura. We'll carry out this work taking all necessary safety measures to guarantee security," Huertas stated.
Source: elperiodicoextremadura.com