April 23, 2008

Argentinean strike may resume over suspension of wheat talks

Talks between Argentina' farmers and the government over the wheat sector were suspended Tuesday as farmers rejected its proposed agenda for negotiations, said a spokesman for the Buenos Aires and La Pampa Rural Confederation, Carbap.

A meeting had been scheduled for Tuesday evening.

The suspension marks the latest failure in talks to avoid a repeat of a three-week farm strike last month. The strike caused crippling food shortages and blocked exports.

Farmers have vowed to again block roads across the country starting May 2 if talks fail.

Farmers want the government to reverse a recent tax hike on soy exports. The government has made it clear that this is not on the table.