Farmers block distribution centers supermarkets, CBL demands closure

Supermarket organization CBL calls blockades ‘unacceptable’, demands removal

The Central Food Bureau (CBL), the trade association for supermarkets and other food companies, calls on farmers to end the blockades on Monday morning. The CBL speaks of “unacceptable” actions and calls on the judiciary and the police to intervene firmly†

According to the CBL, the blockades of distribution centers affect citizens of the Netherlands. “Supermarkets are doing everything they can to keep the stores stocked. But when such blockages last longer, it can mean that the daily shopping can no longer be done.” This weekend, some Albert Heijn customers were already told that no groceries would be delivered on Monday.

So far, activists have raised at least 15 blockades today. These mainly affected distribution centers of supermarkets, including in Beilen, Zwolle, Deventer, Woerden and Heerenveen. A farmer’s blockade of the Jumbo distribution center in Veghel was broken up early in the morning by order of the police. Fishermen are also blocking parts of ports in at least three places.

Ferry service between Den Helder and Texel blocked by fishermen

In addition to Lauwersoog, fishermen are now also blocking the ferry port in Den Helder. As a result, the ferry service between Den Helder and Texel is currently blocked, provider Teso . reports on Twitter† Fishermen would also protest in the harbor of Harlingen in Friesland, which was partly blocked by two fishing cutters.

Via Twitter, EMK-Vissers — an action group that is committed to the interests of fishermen — announces that demonstrations are taking place out of dissatisfaction with cabinet policy aimed at fishing and wind farms at sea.

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First traffic jam on the highway: tractors on A73 near Haps in the direction of Maastricht

It runs on the A73 towards Maastricht according to Rijkswaterstaat currently stuck by protests by farmers. Tractors are driving on the highway, causing a traffic jam of about five kilometers near Haps. Earlier in the morning it was still quiet, so the actions had little effect. This may change once the morning rush has got under way, although the ANWB reports that it is quiet on the roads for the time being.

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Fishermen also take action, block Lauwersoog harbor in Groningen

A group of about fifteen fishing vessels has blocked the harbor of Lauwersoog in Groningen. “They’ve blocked things. The fishing area is closed, indeed no ship can get in or out there anymore,” the harbor master told ANP news agency on Monday morning.

Last week, protester leader Rutger van Lier from the Achterhoek showed up NRC know that other sectors would join the farmers. According to Van Lier, catering people, fishermen, transporters and entrepreneurs all run into the same problem: “A government that is drawing more and more power to itself and creating a society full of control.”

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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.