Argentina launches fruit assistance fund in Rio Negro - FreshFruitPortal.com

Argentina launches fruit assistance fund in Rio Negro

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Argentina launches fruit assistance fund in Rio Negro

Fruit growers in the Argentine province of Río Negro will now have access to ARS77 million (US$18.45 million) in assistance funding that has been granted by Federal and Provincial governments, website Telam.com.ar reported.

The announcement was made by Minister for the Economy Amado Boudou yesterday, following a meeting with various ministers and authorities, Río Negro Governor Miguel Saiz and key industry figures.

Minister for the Economy Amado Boudou

The Federal program will include ARS35 million (US$8.39 million) for the province's municipalities and 6,600 Productive Recovery Programs (REPRO), which will each be worth ARS650 (US$155.75) per month until December.

The Río Negro Government will provide two million liters of subsidized fuel for growers, financial assistance for hail recovery and other measures that will take the total level of funding to ARS77 million (US$18.45 million), the story reported.

Saiz gave thanks to President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner for her response to the problems facing the industry.

"These measures weren't expected and they allow us to be in a better position for the next campaign," he was quoted as saying.

He highlighted the province's fruit growers had cut off National Route 22 for a week, demanding an improvement in profitability, while there were still other problems like structural issues, higher internal costs and lower price for fruit, the  story reported.

Last week some protesters bared all to raise awareness of their plight, and it seems their calls have finally been answered.

Photo: www.informateviaweb.com

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