Argentina's Mate Farmers Protest Milei's Price Liberalisation

Small-scale Argentine farmers growing yerba mate say President Javier Milei's shock‑therapy economic reforms have devastated their industry. After the government lifted price controls and cut subsidies, the price of mate fell sharply, triggering job losses and lower incomes for producers in the Misiones province, a key growing region bordering Brazil and Paraguay.

Protesters have blocked roads in Misiones and are seeking greener pastures across the border in Brazil. The sharp drop in prices has prompted a congressional investigation into the impact of Milei's deregulation on the sector.

The policy, which aims to curb inflation, is praised by some for reducing overall price growth but has drawn sharp criticism from agricultural groups who argue it has “destroyed jobs” and “mined government assistance,” leaving many small farmers struggling to survive.