January 9, 2009

Argentina's farm leaders on Wednesday (Jan 7) demanded the full removal of export taxes for grains and beef, while accusing the government of taking revenge against them for last year's series of strikes.

Soy export taxes were at 35 percent, and beef at 15 percent.

The country's four largest farm groups - FAA, CRA, SRA and Coinagro - warned that they may initiate strikes again, if their demands are not met.

Last year, farm leaders organised large-scale strikes against the government, which affected Argentina's domestic food supply and international trade. The on-and-off strikes had also hurt Argentina's image as a reliable grain supplier.

CRA chairman Mario Llambias said they would continue to raise awareness, talk to the state governors and make presentations before the Congress.

In a statement read by the FAA vice president Pablo Orsolini, the farmers liaison board said, "It is fundamental that the government understand that failing to listen to the farm sector and throwing it, out of revenge into one of the worse crisis, also means condemning the entire nation."

SRA vice president Alejandro Delfino added, "For the first in history the farm sector is in no condition to help the country brave an economic crisis".

The government has recently reduced export taxes of corn and wheat to 20 percent and 23 percent, respectively.