A few hundred farmers set off from the Drenthe village of Dieverbrug at around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday for a nitrogen protest march through the province, an ANP reporter observed.
The farmers are travelling in agricultural vehicles from three starting points and plan to meet at the provincial government building in Assen later in the day. Along the route, they will pass all twelve municipal halls in Drenthe.
Many of the vehicles display upside-down Dutch flags and protest signs. Some carry slogans such as “#Help the farmers”. The convoy from Dieverbrug is travelling towards Diever, the main town of the municipality of Westerveld.
The other convoys departed from Peest, in the municipality of Noordenveld, and Valsteeg, near Coevorden. Organisers say the farmers plan to present a letter for signature at each town hall they visit.
The organisers expect more than 1,000 people to gather in Assen. They have said the convoys will not use motorways.
Police have already warned that farmers driving tractors on motorways and major national roads will be fined. Drivers whose number plates are covered with tape will also be stopped.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
