Farmers block distribution centers supermarkets, tractors on highways

Tractors on national roads near Drachten and Gieten

The first tractors were spotted on the A7 near Drachten on Monday morning. Agricultural vehicles also drive on the N34 national road near Gieten in Drenthe. According to Rijkswaterstaat, the vehicles have not yet caused any major problems. Because it is still quiet so early in the morning, the delay is not that bad, a spokesperson told ANP news agency. Read below the advice that Rijkswaterstaat gave for those who have to hit the road in the morning:

RWStraffic info Rijkswaterstaat Traffic information The extent of possible protest actions and possible disruption on the highways tomorrow is still unclear. We therefore advise road users to take into account extra travel time and delays throughout the day on Monday. Read more here https://t.co/qTYFAM2Qkv July 3, 2022 @ 2:48 PM

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Farmer campaigns started early, various distribution centers blocked

Tractors were spotted early Monday morning in various places in the country. Activists have arrived at distribution centers of supermarkets, as well as at the harbor in Lauwersoog in Groningen. According to a spokeswoman for Rijkswaterstaat, there are no blockages on the roads and the presence of the tractors does not yet lead to traffic jams.

Around 5 a.m., a group of farmers blocked a distribution center of supermarket chain Jumbo in Veghel, Brabant. They have now been ordered by the riot police to leave, Omroep Brabant reports. RTV Oost reports that twenty to thirty vehicles are closing the entrance to the Albert Heijn distribution center in Zwolle. Blockades have also been set up at the Jumbo distribution center in Raalte and that of Aldi in Deventer.

Farmers had previously announced that they would “flatten the whole of the Netherlands” out of anger at the cabinet’s nitrogen plans. They have encouraged each other to take disruptive actions at the airports, distribution centers and the port of Rotterdam. The police and Rijkswaterstaat have called on people to set out on the road well prepared. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee has people and equipment ready to intervene if farmers want to block airports.

Live blog about farmers’ protests

The announced farmer protests started early Monday morning. In response to the cabinet’s nitrogen plans, demonstrations are taking place in various places in the country. Actions are also expected at Schiphol and the port in Rotterdam. In this live blog we keep up to date with the latest news about the protests, and which highways are used by tractors.