Argentine citrus-growing region Neuquén is expected to get local government help to boost the productivity and competitiveness of the sector, website Lmneuquen.com.ar reported.

The province's municipal authorities are preparing a draft bill which would offer funds for contribution to the national plant protection program, treating fruit against codling moth, compensation for hail damage and waiving property taxes, the story reported.

Growers in the province are believed to be operating at a loss following the end of a difficult season this year with frosty weather conditions.

Local government development department head Leandro Bertoya, explained this was due to a number of external factors.

"A disproportionate increase in production costs, the national exchange rate policy and the relative stability of international prices of export production are among the causes," he was reported as saying.

The province's five producer associations are looking for ARS$10 million (US$2.4 million ) grant from the development department to help with improved pruning, thinning and harvesting.

Neuquén has already received ARS$200 million (US$47.5 million) from the state to help improve the state of the citrus growing sector over the last few years.

Photo: Traders City

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