“We do not have, through the confederations that we follow, a record of the effective need for labour. Temporary labour is being distributed and will serve to balance the needs between regions”, pointed out Maria do Céu Antunes, in response to the deputies, in the Agriculture and Sea Commission.

However, the government official highlighted that, in certain areas, there are specific needs, for example, for the collection of chestnuts.

The leader of the Ministry of Agriculture stressed that there are "few mechanised activities", thus defending that it is necessary to encourage a sustainable model that balances the use of labour with mechanisation.

Regarding working conditions in Odemira, Maria do Céu Antunes said that she had a meeting with the president of the Chamber and with some representatives of the sector to debate this issue.

For the minister, despite having verified “incorrect practices” in the municipality, there are also good examples, adding that the population of Odemira has grown a lot due to agricultural activity.

“We want to create conditions for the decent installation of families who choose to live in Portugal and Odemira. We have the need to create temporary residences for that community, which exported, in 2020, 208 million euros, which created work, generated wealth”, she highlighted.