Thousands of Dutch farmers have driven tractors along highways causing major traffic jams as part of their protest campaign against what they say are attempts to blame them for nitrogen pollution.
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The convoys of tractors set out early on Wednesday for Utrecht and the farmers aimed to later take their protest to The Hague, where separate demonstrations were planned.
It's the third time the farmers have mounted a day of protest in a campaign launched after a court ruling in May found the Netherlands in violation of European emission rules.
More than 375km of roadways were jammed, especially around Utrecht, according to road and drivers' organisation ANWB.
A government environmental institute, that farmers say is responsible for publishing misinformation about nitrogen emissions, is in Utrecht.
"Last year you didn't hear anything about nitrogen, and now suddenly it's a mortal question," farmer Micha Bouwer of the Farmers Defence Force told state broadcaster NOS.
"These are all people in the city who have two plants on their balcony and say 'nature is suffering'."
Livestock farming is a major cause of nitrogen pollution, along with construction and transportation.
Farmers argue they have made major efforts to reduce their emissions and say their role in providing food for the nation is under-appreciated.
Australian Associated Press
