Skyrocketing fertilizer prices impacting LI farmers and may lead to higher costs at the grocery store
The Long Island Farm Bureau says conflict in the Middle East is driving up the cost of fertilizer both locally and nationwide, a trend that could lead to even higher prices at supermarkets.
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Long Islanders are already seeing higher prices at the pumps from the war in Iran, and soon, that could lead to higher costs at your grocery store.
Terry Lang, of Wading River, said she's feeling the impact.
“Prices are very high, especially for people who are on a fixed income,” Lang said.
The Long Island Farm Bureau says conflict in the Middle East is driving up the cost of fertilizer both locally and nationwide, a trend that could lead to even higher prices at supermarkets.
“It’s going to affect every consumer out there when they go to the grocery store and want to purchase anything. Costs will be going up,” said Bill Zalakar, executive director of the Long Island Farm Bureau.
Larry Kaiser, who owns 1760 Homestead Farms in Riverhead, said he is already experiencing higher fertilizer costs.
“Fertilizer costs have gone up for us about 30% to 35% , and we’re just in spring,” Kaiser said.
Kaiser said he is trying to limit the impact on customers by making more compost and using less fertilizer.
“We’re trying to hold our prices. No one wants to pay exponential prices for fresh produce,” Kaiser said. “We do deal directly with the consumer. We have a retail area here.”
According to the Long Island Farm Bureau, many farmers purchased fertilizer last year before prices rose, but those supplies will not last the entire season. Farmers will eventually have to buy fertilizer at higher rates.
"Don't blame the farmers," said Zalakar. "As their expenses go up they have to pass that on, unfortunately."
