Argentina Locked in Fight over Export Tax
Farmers unhappy with leaders as groups call on Argentines to mobilize in protest.
Compiled by staff
Published: Mar 20, 2009
The grains export tax remains a hot issue in Argentina and this week Argentina's farmers took to the streets to protest government policy after a House of Representatives vote failed on a bill to lower the export tax on grains.
Farmers set up road blocks on a major highway between Buenos Aires and Rosario - an important ag hub. Leaders of the largest grower groups cautioned against the roadblocks, but have little control over angry members, according to wire service reports.
Earlier this week farm group leaders met with government officials for the fourth time in as many weeks, but couldn't make progress on negotiations. The government, which has made concessions on a range of issues, says that the export tax on soy is not negotiable.
Farmers in the region have also been high with widespread drought, reducing yields and income. The government concessions earlier this month on meat, wheat and dairy products got a partial accord from farm group leaders to avoid a repeat of the strikes that gripped the nation last year. However, there is still anger over the export tax on soybeans.
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Tagged: farm, wheat, soybeans, Drought
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