Argentina's Federation of Producers plans to set up burning blockades of main routes today and tomorrow in the provinces of Rio Negro and Neuquén, newspaper La Mañana Cipoletti reported.

The farmers are calling on government assistance amid a profitability crisis for small and medium sized businesses, with delays in in support payments to cover harvest costs, the story reported.

The federation has announced it will extend the blockades with tractors all the way to the 'Casa Rosada' in Buenos Aires - the country's center of power - on Aug. 10 if an adequate response is not given.

"The executive committee, through unanimous vote resolved to inform the mayors by note - through the chambers - about the measures to be taken if favorable results are not achieved from starting negotiations," the federation said in a release.

Photo: La Mañana Cipoletti

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