Argentina increases beef export quota to pacify producers

Argentina has agreed to increase beef export quota as one of a number of changes to agricultural policies that farmers nationwide have pushed for.

The current beef export quota will be increased by 60,000 tonnes to a total of 610,000 tonnes, while wheat prices will be increased and taxes on dairy products will be scrapped, according to government officials.

Farmers have been pressing the government to eliminate restrictions on exports of all agricultural produce. The two sides are expected to resume negotiations on March 10.

Argentine farm groups halted grain sales and blocked highways last year in protest of tax increases and a beef export ban.