Argentine farmers holding 24-hour strike

By Bala Chambers

LONDON (AA) - Argentina's main agricultural associations are holding a 24-hour strike Wednesday against the government as they halt sales of grains and livestock.

Many in Argentina's large and powerful farming associations have criticized the Alberto Fernandez government's policy, taxation and fuel shortages during the harvest season.

As protestors gathered on the streets, many have been pushing for tax relief, the normalization of fuel supplies after fuel shortages and calling for better policies to boost the agricultural sector.

Protests have been taking place across the country from Mendoza, Santa Fe, Formosa, Corrientes, Cordoba and the national capital of Buenos Aires amongst others places with pledges from the Mesa de Enlace industry group not to block roads.

Those leading the protests have also criticized shortages, steep prices of fertilizers and the current exchange rate -- insisting it has hit the agricultural sector hard.

Cabinet Chief Juan Manzur urged "dialogue" Wednesday to find a solution, insisting the government does not agree with the strike.

"With great respect and humility, we do not agree with this strike. It leads to nothing. We had serious difficulties with the supply of diesel, there is a very complex situation with energy matters worldwide, and fortunately this has been resolved," said Manzur.

Argentina is one of the world's top soy exporters and following the war between Russia and Ukraine, the South American nation has benefitted from increases in grain and oilseed prices while the cost of fuels and fertilizers has increased, with Argentina importing 60% of its fertilizers -- 15% from Russia.

But grains continue to be transported to and shipped from Rosario -- one of the globe's largest export ports.

Ahead of the strike, Jorge Chemes, the head of Confederaciones Rurales Argentina, said producers are being pushed due to "tax pressure” and a "lack of policies" by the government which he said caused "distrust."

In recent weeks, truck drivers have protested what they say are rising fuel prices.