Argentina-Farmers to meet government.

ARGENTINA-FARMERS TO MEET WITH GOVERNMENT.

Interior Minister Florencia Randazzo, on Saturday said President Christina Fernandez de Kirchner is willing to meet with the farm leaders of the Liaison Committee in the nest few days.

Cabinet Chief Sergio Massa, added the government is willing to talk paving the way for a possible first meeting between the President and the Liaison Committee.

The liaison committee links together the four main farm organization of Argentina.

On Thursday the Liaison Committee decided to postpone any industrial action and lockout of export farm goods, after a ceremony in the flooded districts of the north of the country where the President asked for " the help of all the country".

The floods and mud slides in the north of the country have affected 10,000 people and caused the loss of 500 homes, farm buildings and crops.

There are still 8 people missing, believed to have perished as they were washed away.

Eduardo Buzzi, head of the Small Farmers Association (FAA) said, " We have asked for a meeting with the President in November, December, January and now in February, yet we have received no answer from the government".

The farmers have been asking the government to drop the 35% export tax on soy as the prices have tumbled on the world market and the drought in Argentina is going to greatly reduce the harvest.

The government said on Saturday "We want to articulate with the farmers, Production Minister Debora Giorgi and Agriculture Minister Carlos Cheppi, always had that goal. If the farm sector prospers it means Argentina will prosper".

The editorial in all the leading newspapers in Argentina, suggest somewhat negatively that with the mid term election in October, neither side can afford to cause any upheaval with the electorate as was the case last year.

In March of 2008, the farmers ban caused severe food shortages in shops and supermarkets, leaving truck loads of farm produce rotting by the side of the road.