Argentine farmers on alert as truce ends

BUENOS AIRES — Thousands of farmers plan to mark the end of a 30-day "truce" with the government over export tax hikes by taking to the streets again this weekend — but without blocking roads or causing the food shortages that crippled the country during a farm strike in March.

Argentine farms groups said Thursday that no progress was made during a month of negotiations on their central demand to roll back export taxes, especially on soybeans, which rose by as much as 45 percent under a decree issued by Argentine President Cristina Fernandez on March 11.

The increases sparked the 21-day strike that cut food shipments to major cities and emptied supermarkets of beef and other Argentine staples.

"For us, the truce is over," said Maria Llambias, president of the Argentine Rural Confederation, one of the four major farm groups. "Starting Saturday we will be on the highways, but without road blockades."

Farmers and the government agreed to the 30-day negotiating period April 2 to bring the strike to a temporary halt. Although farmers say no progress has been made, talks will continue on Tuesday, when leaders of four farm groups plan to meet with government representatives.

Leaders of two of the largest farm groups said they will meet Friday to discuss what specific measures will be taken in the new mobilizations.

Demonstrators will remain at the side of highways and roads and do nothing to block or disrupt the free flow of food shipments, they said.

Protesters also said they will hand out pamphlets to motorists urging support for their side in the dispute.

Fernandez claims the taxes will help redistribute wealth to Argentina's poor as the farming sector reaps record profits during the current international commodity boom. She said the taxes will also discourage farmers from growing more soybeans for export and to start to produce corn, meat and other food products that Argentine consumers need at home.

Farmers contend the higher taxes are making it difficult for them to earn a living.

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