STORY:
The Argentine government says it will give small farmers a rebate on taxes for soy and sunflower seed exports, as well as other benefits.

Economic minister Martin Lousteau, says the soy boom in Argentina is putting the agricultural sector in danger.

[Martin Lousteau, Argentine Economy Minister]:
"What we are saying is it's not the same to produce soy as it is to produce milk. And if we don't change our course, in the long run we are going to have less milk, less meat, less wheat, less corn and it will be more expensive for everyone."

President Kirchner says the measures will put small farmers in a good position.

[Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Argentine President]:
"The farmers from the marginal zones will not only have the same profit after the resolution on March 11 but they will be in a better position because before this the small producer was not recognized."

Kirchner asked farmers to lift roadblocks.

[Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Argentine President]:
"I ask you one more time and all the times I have to ask you because that's why I'm president: please let the trucks through. And please think of yourselves as part of the country, not owners of the country."

Union leader Mario Llambias says farmers from all sectors, not just soy, are angry, indicating the government doesn't understand the problem.

[Mario Llambias,Union Leader]:
"We still believe the government doesn't understand the root of the problem. They take this as a reaction from the soy producers when the people (cutting) roads are questioning cattle policies and dairy policies."

During the strike millions of tonnes of grains have been held back from port disrupting sales to China and Europe.