Argentine farm group threatens more grain sale strikes

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) — Argentine farmers will probably hold more protests if the government does not offer to respond to their grievances following a suspension of grain sales planned for this week, a major growers’ group said on Tuesday.
Farmers say they will halt crop sales on Wednesday through Friday to protest against policies such as export quotas on wheat and corn. Growers say the quotas, which can change throughout the year, make planning impossible.
“If we don’t get answers, bigger protests are very probably on the way. The nature of the actions we take will depend on what the government says in response to us,” said Ruben Ferrero, president of the Rural Federations of Argentina (CRA), told Reuters in an interview.

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The strike is not expected to impact Argentine grain supplies because ports are already stocked with cargo ready for shipping. But growers say they will make sure their grievances are heard this year as presidential candidates campaign ahead of the October general election.
“In April, there will be a series of meetings among farm groups in Mendoza province, where we will discuss the steps we will take in terms of strikes,” he added.
The government also levies a 35 percent tax on soybean exports that growers say kills their profits.
“There are ways to improve farm policy, if the political will is there,” Ferrero said. “But were are not being heard. We are treated by the government as if we don’t exist.”
Argentina is the world’s No. 1 soymeal exporter, its No. 3 soybean supplier and a major source of corn and wheat to world markets.
President Cristina Fernandez administration was shaken by a widespread farm rebellion in 2008 that reduced exports for months and cut into government revenue. Relations between her government and the sector have been strained ever since.
Fernandez is barred by law from seeking a third consecutive term. The three strongest candidates to succeed her — Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macri, Congressman Sergio Massa and Buenos Aires Governor Daniel Scioli — are regarded as more farm friendly than Fernandez.