Italian farmers converged on Rome yesterday; to take part in a mass rally designed to reassure consumers about food safety.


Several thousand farmers, some from Sicily or the far north of the country, cycled into Rome’s city center and round the Piazza del Popolo, wearing yellow T-shirts.


Responding to a recent wave of food scares throughout Europe, the farmers carried banners that read “Coldiretti fights for food safety” or “Only farmers can defend the land”.


After the rally, spectators and farmers took part in tastings of fresh food and wines from around the country.