Wheat prices are soaring as the Ukraine war sparks a global food crisis. But in Argentina, one of the world’s agriculture powerhouses, farmer Aimar Dimo is cutting back the acreage he devotes to the crop.

“As a producer I feel responsible?.?.?.?my work should be oriented towards helping the crisis,” said Dimo, who farms 1,500 hectares in Rufino in the northeastern province of Santa Fe. But “at a time when we should be selling to the world because it needs us more than ever, we have no confidence or incentive”.

Argentina produced a record 21.8mn tonnes of wheat last year, compared with 25mn tonnes grown in Ukraine. But despite a pledge by President Alberto Fernández last month that the country would seize the “formidable” opportunity to meet demand, its farmers say they are facing a series of deterrents as the May to August planting season is under way.