About 800 pickers have used the service, officials said, and the shortage persists.

At the same time, a chronic shortage of housing for the mentally ill has persisted.

Yet chronic food insecurity and shortages persist to this day.

Even with expanded financial assistance, acute shortages of doctors persist in some areas, both urban and rural.

Yet a shortage of drug treatment spaces persists throughout the country.

Even though church officials are heartened by a recent increase in the number of men studying for the priesthood, shortages persist.

Why did this chronic shortage of rural council housing persist?

Long-term, supplies are a problem, and shortages of food and other basic goods persist.

Profits are likely to suffer and some layoffs may follow, if the shortage persists.

If the shortage persists it could have more profound effects, slowing sales and earnings.