Senate Agriculture chair: Iran conflict is raising energy costs and squeezing farm profits
Senate Agriculture Committee chair John Boozman warned rising gasoline, diesel and fertilizer costs tied to the U.S.–Iran tensions are putting farmers at a loss and may require additional federal aid.
Sen. John Boozman (R‑AR), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said Monday that U.S. farmers are already feeling financial pressure from higher energy costs linked to the U.S.–Iran military tensions.
Boozman said rising prices for gasoline, diesel and fertilizer are squeezing farm margins and that, in his view, growers currently planting or tending crops are losing money. He argued farmers will likely need additional federal assistance.
The senator cited weather‑related damage and disaster relief efforts in states such as California and North Carolina as factors that will shape any forthcoming farm aid package.
The Trump administration has been considering steps to ease rising oil and gasoline prices. President Trump said he plans to have the U.S. Navy escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz and said he discussed waiving some oil‑related sanctions during a call with Vladimir Putin.
Boozman also noted that Trump‑era tariffs have added to the financial strain on growers. A group of agricultural experts warned last month that U.S. farmers were already under financial stress in part because of the administration’s global trade policies.
Higher fuel and fertilizer costs, combined with weather losses and trade measures, directly affect costs for planting, field operations and grain logistics. Boozman indicated these agricultural pressures will inform the development of any additional federal support for farmers.