Argentina Roundup: Hemp farming, manslaughter, high temperatures affect crops
Patient care
In the face of Argentina's economic crisis, the staff at Garrahan Paediatric Hospital in Buenos Aires express grave concerns regarding the financial struggles impacting patient care. Despite not facing budget cuts, the institution suffers from unfulfilled orders and resource shortages, forcing medical professionals to revert to outdated surgical techniques, The Guardian reports. With annual inflation soaring above 193%, many health workers find their purchasing power drastically diminished, pushing them below the poverty line. Critics of the government's austerity measures argue that the significant cuts in health spending threaten the integrity of healthcare services. The hospital staff remains determined to protest, feeling their voices are not adequately heard amidst the ongoing crisis.
High temperatures affect crops
Argentina's agricultural sector faces a looming threat as the hot and dry summer conditions begin to adversely affect the 2024/25 soybean and corn crops. Following a favourable spring, the Buenos Aires grains exchange highlights the water stress developing, particularly in crucial agricultural regions. Significant rainfall deficits, exemplified by only 35 millimetres falling in December against a historical average of 110 millimetres, pose serious concerns for crop yielding. While the majority of the soybean and corn fields have been planted, the adequacy of water in soybean cropland has dipped to 81%. Despite these challenges, overall crop progression remains steady due to previous moisture availability.
Manslaughter
Argentine midfielder Rodrigo Garro was charged on January 5 with involuntary manslaughter following a crash that killed a motorcyclist in his hometown of General Pico in Argentina's La Pampa province. According to Channel News Asia, the 30-year-old victim, Nicolas Chiaraviglio, died at the scene after his motorcycle was struck by a pickup truck early on Saturday morning.
Hemp farming
The legal landscape surrounding the hemp and medicinal cannabis industry in Argentina sees a tightening of regulations with the approval of new measures by ARICCAME. Hemp Today reports that these regulations impose administrative sanctions for non-compliance, including potential fines and license revocations. Mandatory compliance with licensing obligations is now in effect, bolstering industry accountability and aligning with global best practices. With the previous legalisation of hemp farming in 2022, the government is set to invest significantly in cannabis research, aiming to unlock the multifaceted potential of hemp.
Bilateral relations
In a notable political engagement, Venezuelan opposition leader González and Argentine president Milei have been seen interacting with the public in Buenos Aires, marking an important instance of political solidarity, according to reports.
