December 28, 2012

Argentina's top farming bodies are ceasing sale of livestock for 24 hours to protest against the government's planned expropriation of the Argentine Rural Society's exposition centre.

The country's biggest farm show, La Rural, is held here each year as a showcase for the industry.

President Cristina Fernandez's government and livestock farmers have been at odds since 2008 when wide protests against soy export taxes disrupted grain exports.

Argentina is the world's number three soy exporter and major supplier of beef.

The country's leading farming groups are threatening to extend the strike to the grains trade if their demands to stop what they call an illegal seizure are not met. The government says the expo centre must be under the hands of the state because it is of "public use."