Argentine farmers will increase investments in the next corn planting season despite fears about a political comeback for former President Cristina Fernandez, who implemented export taxes and restrictions despised by the sector, leaders of industry groups told Reuters.
Several polls show Fernandez in the lead for a Senate seat in politically crucial Buenos Aires province in October's legislative election, which could determine the future of President Mauricio Macri's free-market agenda. A primary vote will take place on Sunday.
Sales of fertilizer will grow to 3.9 million tonnes in 2017, up 8 percent from the prior year, according to Fertilizar, an agrochemical industry group. Farmers have also stepped up purchases of advanced-technology corn seeds, according to Argentina's ASA seed producers association.
"We're all watching the elections, but agricultural producers already see that the commercial conditions have changed," said Alfredo Paseyro, ASA's general manager. Since taking office in late 2015, Macri has eliminated export taxes and restrictions on corn and wheat, leading to record-high harvests.
Fernandez clashed with the economically key agriculture sector over her interventionist policies during her two terms in office from 2007-2015. The specter of her political return has spooked investors. But that has had little impact on farmers, who are banking on policy stability at least through next year's harvest.
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