Americans who were worried about grocery prices may soon feel the consequences of a growing problem on U.S. farms.
As planting season begins, rising fertilizer prices are creating a potential ripple effect that could reach grocery stores.
At least 70% of farmers say they can’t afford all the fertilizer they need because of higher costs tied to the U.S. war in Iran − a challenge that could lower crop yields and push food prices higher this year.
An American Farm Bureau Federation survey released April 14 revealed nearly three-fourths of farmers said fertilizer has become too expensive. About 6 in 10 farmers reported worsening finances overall.
Many farmers are rethinking purchases of fertilizer and when to apply it, the federation said. Though farmers in the South and Northeast are having the greatest difficulty, farms across the United States are affected.
