FARMERS ADVANCE ON MADRID FOR A MAJOR TRACTOR PROTEST OVER EU POLICIES

Hundreds of farmers drove their tractors into central Madrid on Wednesday as part of ongoing protests against European Union and local farming policies and to demand measures to alleviate production cost hikes.

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The protest, the biggest to take place in the Spanish capital after more than two weeks of daily protests across the country, will include a rally outside the Agriculture Ministry headquarters.

Many of the tractors flew Spanish flags and some farmers carried banners reading, "There is no life without farming," and "Farmers in Extinction".

"It is impossible to live from the rural industry, which is what we want, to live from our work. That is all we ask for," Silvia Ruiz, 46, a livestock farmer from the north-central area of Burgos told The Associated Press.

The Union of Unions organising group said they were bringing 500 tractors and many more farmers on buses. Many of the tractors may have to stay outside of the city because of government restrictions.