With fears that the shortages experienced in March will be repeated when some food processors were forced to close. Then some were unable to deliver their food whilst others were unable to get supplies of raw materials needed for their production. As a result the entire agri-food and hospitality value chain has called on the government to demand security and supply of products and raw materials at what they say is “a particularly critical time”. Among the organisations calling for the government to act are the major food retailers, Hostelería de España, the agricultural organizations COAG and UPA and the business associations AECOC, ACES, ANGED. They have reminded the government that last time strikers “prevented the free entry and exit of vehicles from companies, logistics centres and farms supplying raw materials.” That they say not only resulted in shortages and tensions between parties, but also cost the industry millions. Many of these have been struggling to keep their heads above water as the cost of raw materials and energy having hit the sector hard. With Christmas only weeks away, the say the strike will be damaging: “especially to thousands of SMEs that are already going through a very delicate moment, as a result of the current situation. “We are an essential and strategic sector, as demonstrated in the recent crises we have suffered, and we believe that the time has come for the Government to adopt measures that guarantee the proper functioning of the food chain and the supply of food and beverages to the whole population in any situation.” At this stage the retailers have said consumers should not panic as that will only add to what could become a difficult situation. Instead, they said people should be aware that supplies may become limited in time, but also, they should wait to see what action the government takes in heading off the strike.