Argentina's fruit and veg producers confront sharp sales slump and tax‑security woes

In Rosario, fruit and vegetable sales at the 27 de Febrero market fell by 50% to 60% this winter, according to Héctor Mariani of the local producers' commission. Mariani attributed the drop to reduced purchasing power among consumers rather than higher prices, noting that the market normally sees a 20‑25% decline in colder months but this year the fall is unprecedented.

In the Buenos Aires province horticultural belt, entrepreneur Rosa Mansilla, a member of the Sociedad Rural Argentina, highlighted additional pressures on producers: high municipal and provincial taxes that do not return to growers, unsafe roads and frequent robberies, and a lack of public infrastructure projects. She urged the provincial government to cut retentions to zero and increase public works to improve transport routes and security for agricultural operations.