Sicily farmers protest diesel prices

GELA, Italy (NBC, KYMA) - Farmers in Sicily took their tractors to the streets of Gela, Sicily Saturday.

They're protesting soaring fuel prices and high production costs that have brought agricultural activity to a near halt across the region, just as the Autumn sowing season approaches.

A convoy of protestors honked their horns loudly as they drove their big tractors onto major roadways in Gela.

While others gathered at a protest site alongside heavy farm equipment with banners reading, "We cultivate the land, we harvest debts."

Farmers across the region say increasing daily fuel expenses for farm equipment and machinery are making it almost impossible for many producers to continue agricultural operations.

A representative for sicilian farmers says fuel prices have more than doubled despite subsidized rates available to the agricultural sector, preventing many farmers from preparing fields for planting.