Strike triggers world food supply fears

A FARMER strike in the world’s second-largest food exporting nation has fuelled fear in global commodity markets.

In Argentina, irate farmers have blocked key roads and halted sales of grains, oilseeds and beef until midnight on Friday, after the government rejected demands to cut a 35% export tariff on soya.

In a move that appeared to have dramatically escalated the country’s row between government and farmers, President Cristina Fernández has announced that revenue from the tariff would be shared nationwide and spent on public works.