MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — The war in Iran could lead to higher costs for Wisconsin farmers and grocery consumers.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, countries in the region around Iran produce about 50% of the world’s urea fertilizer, much of which travels through the Strait of Hormuz. Waukesha County farmer Jim Renn talked with Fox 6 Milwaukee about how the conflict will affect supply and costs for his operation.
“I know that fertilizers are going to cost me more, seed’s going to cost me more, fuel is going to cost me more<” Renn said.
The per-ton price of the fertilizer has already risen by 25% since the end of last month. All the cost increases Renn mentions could culminate in higher prices at the supermarket. The farm advocacy group is urging the U.S. to protect shipments of agricultural supplies making their way through the Middle East.