A California Farm Bureau announcement says a survey of more than 1,000 farmers and ranchers found diesel costs are placing significant financial strain on agricultural operations across the state, increasing production costs and adding pressure to already narrow margins.
The organization’s news release outlines that more than half of California farmers say lower diesel prices would help keep their operation financially viable.
California Farm Bureau also says that three out of four farmers report increased financial stress from diesel prices.
40% of farmers are reducing field work because of diesel costs and farmers say diesel savings would be reinvested into workers, operations, and farm infrastructure.
Diesel is essential to modern agriculture, powering tractors, harvesters, trucks and other equipment used every day on farms and ranches.
As fuel costs rise, producers say they are being forced to make difficult decisions about where to cut expenses, delay investments and scale back operations.
