BUENOS AIRES, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Argentine farmers called off Friday their 16-day strike against export tax hikes to pave the way for negotiations proposed by Argentine President Cristina Fernandez,

    The country's four big farming organizations-enterprises, Argentine Rural Society (SRA), Coninagro, Argentine Rural Confederations (CRA) and Argentine Agrarian Federation (FAA), said in a statement that farm leaders are meeting with Economy and Production Minister Martin Lousteau and Chief of Cabinet Alberto Fernandez.

    Argentine farmers had been protesting against a government measure to increase soya export tax from 35 percent to 45 percent since March 13.

    The tax hike was aimed at garnering more revenue for the government amid soaring soybean prices, but the farmers claimed the government was robbing them of their money.

    The Argentine president said previously that the government would talk with the farmers but the strike, which has forced the country to face a looming shortage of beef, dairy products, oil and grains, should stop first.

    "The decision aims to facilitate a meeting with the government, after which the results will be evaluated and subject to consultations throughout Argentina," said the farm leaders in the statement.

    Argentina is one of the world's leading exporters of beef and soybeans.