In Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, the cultivation of Amao strawberries, known for their distinctive sweet yet slightly tart flavor, is facing logistic challenges as the country prepares for the implementation of new labor laws in April 2024. These laws will limit overtime hours for drivers, impacting the traditional truck delivery system to Tokyo and Osaka. Motoki Uehara, a local strawberry farmer, expressed concerns over potential freshness loss and increased shipping costs.
As a response, agricultural cooperatives in the region are exploring ferry shipping as an alternative to mitigate the so-called 2024 problem. Currently, strawberries travel over 1,000 kilometers to the Tokyo area, requiring about 15 hours. The new logistical hub in Kitakyushu aims to facilitate this transition by offering low-temperature storage before ferry transport. However, the cost implications of switching from truck to ferry delivery remain a significant consideration for local producers.
Source: english.kyodonews.net