Dutch farmers protest efforts to cut emissions, reduce herds

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Thousands of Dutch farmers, many driving tractors, poured into The Hague on Wednesday to protest government moves to rein in carbon and nitrogen emissions to better fight climate change.

It was the second major protest this month by Dutch farmers who say the government is unfairly targeting them as it seeks to slash emissions.

"They blame agriculture for everything at the moment because of nitrogen emissions," said farmer Jans de Wilcher.

He added that "we as a sector store far more nitrogen than we produce. So we are actually helping the Dutch problem rather than making it worse — so why do we get the blame?"

The government called in the military to block key intersections in downtown The Hague to prevent farmers reaching the commercial and political center of the city, which is the seat of the Dutch Parliament.

Large camouflage trucks carrying shipping containers were deployed at major roads.

The farmers are angry at recently announced government plans to reduce emissions, particularly of nitrogen. They argue that the government's plans are based on inaccurate readings and calculations by the government-funded National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. The institute disputed that in a statement, calling its nitrogen measuring "robust and scientifically responsible."

The farmers started their demonstration at the central city of De Bilt, where the institute has its headquarters, before heading to The Hague.

There, they gathered around a small stage to listen to music and speeches from farmers and politicians. Some farmers managed to drive their tractors through parts of the city, while others blocked tram tracks near the central railway station.

There were no reports of violence.

Mayor of The Hague Johan Remkes...