Georgia farmers face rising costs as diesel prices surge above $6.35

Georgia farmers are feeling the pressure as diesel prices reach record highs.

The motor group AAA reported that diesel prices in Georgia rose over $6.35 over the weekend.

Georgia’s iconic Vidalia onions, blueberries and peaches are all specialty crops produced by local farmers that could see prices continue to rise, according to WABE.

Diesel powers most equipment used to grow, harvest and transport crops in Georgia.

Chris Butts is the executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Grower Association. He told WABE that fuel expenses have nearly doubled over the past year.

“Every bit of it is costing more and more. Record amounts for the grower to get that produce to market,” Butts said.

He said fertilizer costs have also increased, and farmers are paying the price.

“The grower is expected to absorb any cost that comes along. And again, those aren’t passed on to their customers. So, it just continues to eat away at the profitability of farming,” he said.

Michael Adjemian is a professor of Agricultural & Applied Economics at the University of Georgia. He says although increased production costs can be passed on to the consumer, the farmers also feel the strain.

“The diesel price is a much larger fraction of their production costs, and it could really squeeze them and make them unprofitable,” he said.

Butts said this squeeze is causing several specialty crop farmers to consider leaving the industry.