CZECH farmers blocked traffic in Prague today, cramming the streets with hundreds of tractors and other vehicles as they rallied against the government and agriculture policies set by the European Union.

Public transport came to a standstill during the morning rush hour in several parts of the Czech capital. 

The street leading to the government office where the protesters planned to present their demands was completely blocked.

Martin Pycha, the head of the Czech Agricultural Association, one of the organisers of the protest, said: “Our goal is not to block the traffic in Prague, our goal is to present the problems in agriculture.”

He apologised for the inconvenience to commuters.

A similar protest with farmers driving their tractors was held in Prague a month ago.

Tens of thousands of farmers and their supporters have rallied across Europe in recent weeks to voice their frustration over issues such as cheap imports and environmental regulations.

The Czech farmers are demanding lower taxation of farmland ownership and want the subsidies they receive from the EU to be exempt from taxes. 

Farmers also complain that grain and other products coming from Ukraine harm the market.

Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny said: “I respect the right of anyone to protest and I’m ready for a fair discussion with the farmers.”