Jillian Hishaw Highlights Global Fertilizer Crisis Amid Iran War and Rising Farm Costs
Conflict-driven supply shocks push agricultural input prices higher
CHARLOTTE, NC, April 02, 2026 -- Agricultural law and policy expert Jillian Hishaw is drawing attention to the growing financial strain on farmers as global fertilizer markets are disrupted by the ongoing war in Iran, according to her recent interview featured in Organic Authority. Hishaw, a nationally recognized advocate for farmers and founder of Family Agriculture Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.), emphasized how geopolitical instability is intensifying already fragile agricultural supply chains.
In the interview, Hishaw underscores the interconnected nature of global agriculture, noting that conflicts like the Iran war directly affect U.S. farmers through rising input costs, limited access to supplies, and increased financial risk. Her expertise highlights how small and mid-sized farmers are particularly vulnerable to these shocks.
Recent data illustrates the severity of the situation. The war has disrupted critical shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly one-third of global fertilizer trade. As a result, fertilizer prices have surged dramatically, with some U.S. farmers reporting increases from approximately $750 to $1,000 per ton in a matter of weeks. In some cases, urea prices have risen as much as 71% within 90 days.
The ripple effects extend beyond fertilizer. Fuel costs an essential component of farming operations have also spiked, with diesel prices jumping more than 40% in a single month. These increases are driving up the cost of producing, packaging, and transporting agricultural goods, including seeds, harvest containers, and shipping materials.
Globally, fertilizer prices have risen by as much as 40% since the start of the conflict, contributing to broader food price inflation and threatening food security. Analysts warn that nitrogen fertilizer alone has seen year-over-year increases exceeding 20%, placing additional pressure on farmers' margins.
Hishaw notes that these compounded cost increases are forcing difficult decisions at the farm level. Some producers are reducing fertilizer use, switching crops, or reconsidering whether to plant at all decisions that could ultimately reduce yields and increase food prices for consumers.
"The challenges farmers face today are not isolated they are global, systemic, and urgent," Hishaw emphasized in her interview. "We must prioritize policies and solutions that stabilize supply chains and protect the viability of our agricultural communities."
As the conflict continues, experts warn that sustained disruptions could have long-term consequences for both domestic agriculture and global food systems. Hishaw's insights reinforce the need for strategic investment, policy intervention, and support for farmers navigating unprecedented economic pressures.
About Jillian Hishaw
Jillian Hishaw is an agricultural attorney, policy expert, and Founder of Family Agriculture Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.). She is dedicated to advancing sustainability and land protection in agriculture through legal advocacy, education, and farmer support initiatives.
Website: https://30000acres.org
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In the interview, Hishaw underscores the interconnected nature of global agriculture, noting that conflicts like the Iran war directly affect U.S. farmers through rising input costs, limited access to supplies, and increased financial risk. Her expertise highlights how small and mid-sized farmers are particularly vulnerable to these shocks.
Recent data illustrates the severity of the situation. The war has disrupted critical shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly one-third of global fertilizer trade. As a result, fertilizer prices have surged dramatically, with some U.S. farmers reporting increases from approximately $750 to $1,000 per ton in a matter of weeks. In some cases, urea prices have risen as much as 71% within 90 days.
The ripple effects extend beyond fertilizer. Fuel costs an essential component of farming operations have also spiked, with diesel prices jumping more than 40% in a single month. These increases are driving up the cost of producing, packaging, and transporting agricultural goods, including seeds, harvest containers, and shipping materials.
Globally, fertilizer prices have risen by as much as 40% since the start of the conflict, contributing to broader food price inflation and threatening food security. Analysts warn that nitrogen fertilizer alone has seen year-over-year increases exceeding 20%, placing additional pressure on farmers' margins.
Hishaw notes that these compounded cost increases are forcing difficult decisions at the farm level. Some producers are reducing fertilizer use, switching crops, or reconsidering whether to plant at all decisions that could ultimately reduce yields and increase food prices for consumers.
"The challenges farmers face today are not isolated they are global, systemic, and urgent," Hishaw emphasized in her interview. "We must prioritize policies and solutions that stabilize supply chains and protect the viability of our agricultural communities."
As the conflict continues, experts warn that sustained disruptions could have long-term consequences for both domestic agriculture and global food systems. Hishaw's insights reinforce the need for strategic investment, policy intervention, and support for farmers navigating unprecedented economic pressures.
About Jillian Hishaw
Jillian Hishaw is an agricultural attorney, policy expert, and Founder of Family Agriculture Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.). She is dedicated to advancing sustainability and land protection in agriculture through legal advocacy, education, and farmer support initiatives.
Website: https://30000acres.org
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Contact Information
Jillian HishawFamily Agriculture Resource Management Services
Charlotte, North Carolina
United States
Voice: 1.307.228.0407
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