Gain report: Oilseeds and Products Argentina 2008

Post expects oilseeds production to increase slightly in the 2008/09 crop year. Soybean planted area is expected to remain at 2007/08 levels (17 million hectares).

Areas planted in sunflower and peanuts are expected to increase by 5 and 10 percent, respectively, over 2007/08 levels. The impact of higher international prices is expected to be largely offset by increased export taxes.

Agricultural producers staged a 21-day farm strike in March that disrupted the harvest, processing and export of oilseeds. Farm organizations and the Government continue negotiations over agricultural policy in an effort to avoid
resumption of the farm strike.