1,000 tractors expected at protest in Brussels on Monday

More than 1,000 farmers are expected to arrive in Brussels by tractor on Monday to take part in a protest against low milk prices, according to the European Milk Board (EMB). The demonstration coincides with an emergency meeting of EU agriculture ministers and is expected to attract 5,000 farmers in all.

Dairy farmers have suffered a fall in milk prices, which they say is caused by governments increasing production and flooding the market. The Russian embargo on EU exports, including dairy products, played a role, but not as major as some are claiming, EMB says. The farmers are demanding concrete measures from ministers.

The protests will begin on Sunday, when about 100 tractors will be in the capital to take part in an act of solidarity starting at Parc Cinquantenaire at 15.00 and continuing to the European Parliament. On Monday, the main demonstration will begin at 11.00 with speeches at Place Schuman.

Prior to that, police warn of “very severe traffic disruption” as about 1,000 tractors make their way to the scene. Belgian farmers will gather at North Station before making their way to the European quarter. Police advise drivers to avoid the capital if at all possible and to use public transport.

Photo: A protest by dairy farmers in front of the European Parliament last spring when the EU abolished production quotas

©Francois Lenoir/Reuters/Corbis