German farmers began a week of nationwide protests by blocking roads with tractors on Monday to oppose government plans to phase out agricultural subsidies.

Columns of tractors and trucks, some of them with stickers placed in front with the inscription: "Without farmers there is no food, no future", were placed through German roads in sub-zero temperatures.

In Berlin, dozens of tractors lined up blocked access to the road leading to the Brandenburg Gate.

Police said roads and highway entrances were blocked in many parts of Germany, causing traffic snarls during the morning rush hour.

Farmers have vowed to block major traffic and logistics routes for a week, saying the removal of tax breaks will force farmers to abandon their jobs.

Joachim Rukwied, chairman of the German Farmers Association (DBV), asked citizens for support.

"We do not want to lose the support and solidarity that we have received from a large part of the people. But we will not accept the planned tax increase for the agricultural sector," he told Stern magazine on Monday.

Criticism from farmers last week prompted Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition - which is rushing to finalize its draft 2024 budget after being delayed by a court ruling - to make sudden changes, including changing plans to scrap subsidies for agriculture.

Instead of suddenly ending the tax cut for oil used in agriculture, the government plans to cut the subsidies by 40% this year, to 30% in 2025, and to be completely phased out in 2026.

The government also dropped plans to end privileged vehicle tax treatment for agriculture and forestry.

However, the DBV said that these changes are not enough and that the protests will be held this week./rel/