Fuel Squeeze: How a New York Family Farm Navigates Price Spikes Amid Global Tensions

NEW CITY, N.Y. — In the quiet greenhouses of Cropsey Farm, an hour north of Manhattan, the first tender leaves of kale and arugula are pushing through the soil. But for owner Sue Ferreri, this spring’s growth is overshadowed by a more pressing calculation: the spiraling cost of diesel fuel.

"We usually budget a 10% buffer for price swings," Ferreri told AFP. "Now we’re looking at 20 to 25 percent—and it’s almost all because of fuel."

The trigger was a sharp jump in global oil prices after a late-February U.S.-Israeli strike in Iran led to temporary disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for oil and fertilizer shipments. In New City, where Cropsey Farm is located, diesel has climbed from $3.70 per gallon in February to nearly $5.70 this week.

For a ten-hectare operation that relies on fuel for irrigation, spraying, plowing, and transport, the increase isn’t just an line item—it’s a threat to viability. Ferreri cites "insane" shipping surcharges, recounting a recent order where a $60 piece of farm equipment came with a $200 delivery fee.

Downsizing Machinery, Rethinking Methods

The farm, which supplies restaurants and local customers from a restored 18th-century barn, is no stranger to energy shocks. After fuel prices rose following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Cropsey began exploring more efficient tools. Now, that transition is accelerating.

"We’re moving toward smaller equipment—ATVs, walk-behind tractors—because they’re fuel-efficient and still get the job done," said head mechanic Jonah Monahan. "But for the big jobs, we still need the main tractor, and that’s getting pricey."

In one greenhouse, workers hand-lift tulips onto a hand-drawn cart for cooling—a deliberate choice to conserve fuel. Beyond machinery, the farm is adopting regenerative practices: shallower tilling, crop rotation, and companion planting to maximize space and soil health.

Broader Pressures on U.S. Farms

According to Ben Brown, an agricultural economist at the University of Missouri, most larger farms have yet to make such adjustments. "Right now, many are just absorbing the higher costs and trying to make the numbers work," Brown said. "If prices stay high, we’ll likely see a shift toward less energy-intensive crops."

For Ferreri, a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran offers slight relief, but no certainty. "In farming, you can’t even trust the weather," she said. "We plan for the worst, hope for the best—that’s where we’re at."

Voices from the Community

Maya Rodriguez, local food co-op manager: "Cropsey’s story is why we prioritize buying local. When fuel prices spike, small farms feel it first. Supporting them is a buffer against global instability."

David Chen, agricultural policy analyst: "This exposes a structural vulnerability. U.S. agriculture is deeply tied to fossil fuels. Without policy support for energy transition, more small operations will struggle."

Gregory "Finn" O’Reilly, former farmer turned activist: "It’s outrageous. While big agribusiness gets subsidies, family farms like Cropsey are left to fend for themselves. We’re sacrificing our local food security to geopolitical games halfway across the world."

Rebecca Shaw, sustainability consultant: "Cropsey’s adaptive moves—smaller equipment, regenerative practices—are a blueprint for resilience. The challenge is scaling these solutions before more farms are pushed to the brink."