The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity assured today that the National Government "shares the same interpretation as the Region with regard to the contributory scheme for agricultural and is committed to finding a solution in the short-term."

Andreia Cardoso spoke to journalists at the end of a meeting with the Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security. The government official mentioned that joint position on "the urgent need to review the scheme in force," adding that it is "excessive and detrimental to farmers who are now beginning their activity."

"This has been a concern that the Regional Government had been expressing for a long time: the inclusion of investment subsidies as income is, of course, detrimental to Azorean farmers and to all those living in the national territory," said the Regional Secretary.

"It was an abusive interpretation of the contributory code and, for that reason, we are pleased to reach this agreement, with the certainty that the resolution of this problem will be favourable to all farmers," said the government official.
Andreia Cardoso also revealed that the Ministry of Social Security has already taken the steps to solve the situation as quickly as possible, namely with the Ministry of Finance.

In addition to this issue, today's meeting also discussed the matters relating to the Regional Network of Continuing Care and the cooperation agreements with Private Social Solidarity Institutions and the "Santa Casa da Misericórdia," which, according to Andreia Cardoso, "were welcomed by the minister and his team."