News Summary: Greek farmers launch daily blockades

TOUGH ROW TO HOE: Greece’s farmers launched a campaign of highway blockades, as the conservative-led government said deep spending cuts were helping the country beat budget targets.

FARMERS MARKET: farmers are protesting a government decision to scrap tax breaks on farming incomes and on gasoline for farm vehicles. They are also against delays in subsidy payments.

BITTER HARVEST: The dispute is the latest in an escalating series of protests, fueled by a new round of government pay cuts and tax increases. The latest austerity measures were introduced this year as Greece battles a sixth year of recession and high unemployment.