Farmers Warn of Fertilizer Price Spike Due to Iran War

American Farm Bureau says Middle East is key exporter of nitrogen fertilizer, raising concerns over supply and costs for spring planting.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The American Farm Bureau is sounding the alarm on rising fertilizer prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to the bureau, the region accounts for nearly half of the world's urea exports and 30% of ammonia exports, making it a critical source of nitrogen fertilizer. Farmers in Pennsylvania are already seeing quotes increase 15-25% since the start of the war, raising concerns about their ability to afford and access this essential crop input for the upcoming planting season.

Why it matters

Fertilizer is a critical input for farmers, and any disruption to supply or spike in prices could threaten food production and lead to higher grocery costs for consumers. The American Farm Bureau is calling on the Trump administration to take steps to stabilize the fertilizer market and ensure reliable access for U.S. farmers.

The details

The American Farm Bureau held a press conference on Monday to discuss the volatility in the fertilizer market since the start of the Iran War two weeks ago. Zippy Duvall, the president of the bureau, warned that some farmers may not get the fertilizer they need for spring planting, and that any reduction in supplies will lead to higher prices at the grocery store. In York County, Pennsylvania, farmer Mike Flinchbaugh said he has already seen quotes for fertilizer increase 15-25%, putting pressure on his profit margins. Flinchbaugh said he may have to reduce fertilizer application or switch to different crops if prices continue to rise.

  • The Iran War entered its second week on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The American Farm Bureau held a press conference on Monday, March 9, 2026 to discuss the fertilizer market volatility.

The players

American Farm Bureau

A major U.S. agricultural trade association representing farmers and ranchers.

Zippy Duvall

President of the American Farm Bureau.

Mike Flinchbaugh

Co-owner of Flinchbaugh's Orchard and Farm Market in Hellam Township, York County, Pennsylvania.

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What they’re saying

“Fertilizer is not an option to farmers. It's a critical input.”

— Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau (fox43.com)

“It is not just a farm issue. It's a food security issue and an economic issue for the entire country.”

— Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau (fox43.com)

“Any further increase in the price of our inputs is really going to put a hurting on the margins that we're seeing.”

— Mike Flinchbaugh, Co-owner, Flinchbaugh's Orchard and Farm Market (fox43.com)

What’s next

The Trump administration is being urged to take steps to stabilize the fertilizer market, such as using the Navy to escort fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and relaxing import duties.

The takeaway

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is disrupting a critical global supply chain for nitrogen fertilizer, threatening food production and raising costs for American farmers. This highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. agricultural system to geopolitical events and the need for policies to ensure reliable access to essential farm inputs.