BUENOS AIRES (Dow Jones)-- Argentine grain prices were generally higher on
the week at the Rosario Grain Exchange Thursday, but gave back part of the
gains as international prices fell amid concerns over the global economy and
falling stock markets.

  "Falling stocks, oil and the strength of the dollar affected grain prices,"
the exchange said. "There was some profit-taking after yesterday's gains, but
all grains were pressured by the international economic crisis."

  Traders also kept a close eye on a simmering conflict between the government
and farmers.

  A partial agreement to avoid a repeat of last year's bruising farm strikes
was reached Tuesday after President Cristina Fernandez dropped in unannounced
on the meeting between farm leaders and Production Minister Debora Giorgi on
Tuesday.

  Concessions made over meat, wheat and dairy - in addition the president's
conciliatory gesture - convinced farm leaders to sign the accord.

  "We hope this ends the conflict," Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo said
at a press conference following the meeting.

  However, the farm leaders aren't so sure. They continue to complain about
restrictions and taxes on exports as well as the widespread damage suffered due
to drought this season.

  "The conflict is by no means resolved," Eduardo Buzzi, president of the
Argentine Agrarian Federation, told reporters.

  The farmers are set to meet the production minister again Tuesday for the
third meeting in as many weeks to continue talks.

   Corn


  Local corn prices were firm due to solid demand from exporters, the exchange
said.

  On Feb. 12, the agricultural trade office ONCCA said that it would approve an
additional six million tons of corn exports.

  Exporters bought spot corn for 410 Argentinian pesos ($113) per ton, compared
with ARS400 and ARS410 paid a week ago.

  April 2009 corn sold at $110 per ton, down from $113.

   Soy


  Soy volume was low as farmers hesitated to sell their goods at the current
low prices, according to the exchange.

  Local crushers bought spot soy for ARS760 per metric ton at the Rosario Grain
Exchange Thursday, up from ARS740 a week ago.

  May soybeans were priced at $205 per ton, unchanged from a week ago.

  The government has been pressuring farmers to sell their soybean stocks in
recent days, with the actual amount remaining in dispute.

  The government is eager to collect the export taxes on the soybeans amid
signs of a rapid economic slowdown, heavy stimulus spending and Argentina's
lack of access to international lending markets.

  Analysts have estimated that there are still between 4 million and 9 million
metric tons of soybeans sitting in silos and plastic bags across the Pampas.
The Buenos Aires Cereals Exchange on Friday said that there were 5.5 million
tons of old crop soybean stocks remaining.

  Many farmers have held on to their beans since last year, at first due to a
strike, but later due to plunging international soybean prices and the hope
that a rebound is coming.

   Wheat


  Local millers bought spot wheat for ARS460 per ton Thursday, up from ARS430 a
week ago.