Inland Northwest Farmers Face Surging Costs After Iran War

Rising fertilizer and diesel prices squeeze agricultural producers in the region.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A month after the United States and Israel launched a war with Iran, the resulting spike in fertilizer and other agricultural input costs is taking a heavy toll on farmers in the Inland Northwest region. President Donald Trump sought to reassure hundreds of affected farmers gathered outside the White House, praising their resilience in the face of these economic challenges.

Why it matters

The Inland Northwest, which includes parts of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, is a major agricultural hub that produces a significant portion of the nation's wheat, potatoes, and other crops. The sharp increase in costs for essential farm inputs like fertilizer and diesel fuel threatens the livelihoods of these producers and could impact food prices and supply nationwide.

The details

The war with Iran has disrupted global energy and commodity markets, sending the prices of fertilizer and other agricultural inputs skyrocketing. Farmers in the Inland Northwest are now facing much higher operating costs that are squeezing their profit margins at a time when they are preparing for the upcoming planting season.

  • The war with Iran began in late February 2026.
  • President Trump addressed the affected farmers on March 29, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who spoke to the farmers gathered outside the White House.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Rain or shine, no one has more grit or greater spirit than the American farmer.”

— President Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The Biden administration is expected to announce emergency aid and other measures to support farmers impacted by the rising input costs in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The war with Iran has created an economic crisis for farmers in the Inland Northwest, underscoring the vulnerability of the U.S. agricultural sector to global geopolitical events and the need for policies that build resilience in the face of such shocks.