Greek farmers protesting tax hikes fight police in Athens

A protester holds a Greek flag as farmers gather outside the Greek Agriculture Ministry, in Athens, Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Several hundred farmers from the island of Crete are protesting against government tax reforms tied to the country's international bailout. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (The Associated Press)

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Protesting farmers place a greek flag on a police vehicle outside the Greek Agriculture Ministry, in Athens, Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Several hundred farmers from the island of Crete are protesting against government tax reforms tied to the country's international bailout. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (The Associated Press)

A riot police officer uses pepper spray against protesting farmers during clashes outside the Agriculture Ministry, in Athens, Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Several hundred farmers from the island of Crete are protesting against government tax reforms tied to the country's international bailout. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) (The Associated Press)

ATHENS, Greece – Greek farmers protesting against bailout-related income cuts are clashing with riot police outside the agriculture ministry in central Athens.

Police fired tear gas to prevent farmers from forcing their way into the ministry building, while protesters responded by throwing stones. No injuries or arrests were reported.

More than 1,000 farmers, many of whom had traveled overnight from the island of Crete, took part in Wednesday's protest.

Protesters are angry at increases in their tax and social security contributions, part of the income and spending cuts Greece's left-led government has implemented to meet bailout creditor-demanded budget targets.