July 25, 2006

Argentina to reveal new cattle raising plans

Argentina's government said it would announce a comprehensive, long-term national cattle-raising plan Tuesday (Jul 24)

The move was made in the midst of unrest among farmers who are protesting President Nestor Kirchner's policies.

The Argentine Rural Confederation (CRA), launched a four-day strike on Saturday,  protesting the ban on beef exports and increased export taxes on dairy products.

The head of CRA, Mario Llambias, said last night the strike would finish as scheduled and that other protests would be decided later on, once the group has taken stock of the situation. .

Argentina imposed a ban on beef exports this year to curb rising inflation. The government had announced that these efforts were beginning to bear fruit as inflation in May was only 0.5 percent compared to 12 percent the same time last year. Beef is one of the major commodities in Argentine households.