Argentine farmers resume protests

By Daniel Schweimler BBC News, Buenos Aires

Farmers staged nationwide protests earlier this year

Farmers in Argentina have begun a six-day protest which includes blocking grain exports and limiting the export of beef.

They want government help for small- and medium-scale farmers and aid for those in the north of the country hit by the worst drought in 100 years.

The government has urged the farmers to call off the protest and resume talks.

Farmers' protests earlier this year lasted four months and led to food shortages in some towns and cities.

Now hundreds of farmers are again standing by roadsides across Argentina.

They began the six-day protest after talks with the government broke down.

The protests earlier this year were against government plans to increase taxes on agricultural exports, especially soya.

They won that battle when the measure was defeated in parliament by just one vote.

This time they want the government to provide subsidies for small- and medium-scale farmers and to help those in the north of Argentina suffering the effects of the devastating drought.

The government says talks are making progress and urged the farmers to resume negotiations.

The farm leaders say the government simply does not listen to them.

There is little trust between the two sides. There is also little stomach for another prolonged dispute among the Argentine people.

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