With rising costs of fuel and fertilizer, and tariffs still in place, the outlook for 2026 is bleak
With rising costs of fuel and fertilizer, and tariffs still in place, the outlook for 2026 is bleak
National Affairs Fellow
Published
April 25, 2026 6:30AM (EDT)
The conflict in the Middle East has hit the global fuel and fertilizer markets that, in turn, have increased farmers' costs right as planting season begins. (Mark Mirko/Connecticut Public via Getty Images)
Skyrocketing costs, unfair markets, and poor policy are pressuring farmers thanks to the ongoing conflict
"At the end of the day, the farmers, they just want to conduct business, not necessarily have to get these packages," one…
Nearly 70% of farmers say they can't afford to buy all the fertilizer they need this growing season. That could affect crop…
Farmers have been dogged by trade wars that have seen reduced purchases and increased prices on seeds and fertiliser.
The president also threatened to hit Mexico with an extra 5% tariff in a row over water supplies to US farmers.
Democrats are vying for competitive seats across farm country in 2026, and fertilizer shortages spurred by the Iran war give them…
