Oregon agricultural economist says rising productions costs for farmers aren't sustainable

The rising cost of oil and and fertilizer due to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is affecting farmers all over Oregon. On Monday we spoke with local farmers and a nonprofit representing small and mid-sized farmers. They said gas prices are already starting to affect them and although they have the fertilizer supplies they need for this year, they are very concerned about those prices rising the next time they buy.

Tim Delbridge is an assistant professor of economics in Oregon State University’s Extension Services. He says agricultural operations of all kinds and sizes have limited options for dealing with rising costs. Not every grower can just raise prices on consumers to compensate. Delbridge joins us to tell us more about how the rising price of energy and fertilizer are likely to affect Oregon’s agricultural economy in the near future — and how long farmers can continue to operate if prices don’t drop.