When Costs Rise, Our Farms Feel It: How the Community Can Step In
- TCM Staff Writer
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Last week, Twin County Media attended a roundtable in Wilson County at Sharp’s Family Farm, where local farmers spoke candidly about the challenges they face every day. The discussion focused on rising costs — including fertilizer, seeds, machinery, and packaging — which are putting significant pressure on small and mid-sized farms across the region.
Former Governor Roy Cooper was on hand to hear their concerns firsthand. While acknowledging broader issues such as trade and tariffs, he stressed the importance of supporting farmers and finding practical solutions to help them sustain their operations. “These challenges aren’t just numbers on a page — they affect families, communities, and the local food that ends up on our tables,” Cooper said.
While the discussion highlighted several statewide challenges — including rising tariffs that affect export markets, higher input costs for fertilizer and equipment, and ongoing supply chain disruptions — the message for Nash and Edgecombe counties is clear: local farms are feeling the direct impact of these pressures. From smaller family farms to mid-sized operations, the rising costs affect not just what is grown, but how farmers plan their seasons, maintain their equipment, and sustain their businesses. Our community has a vital role to play in helping these farms thrive, whether through buying local, supporting farm-to-table partnerships, or getting involved in initiatives that strengthen the region’s agricultural network.
Why Farmers Are Being Affected
Farmers in our region are facing increasing pressure from several fronts. Fertilizer, equipment, fuel, boxes, and seeds have all become more expensive, squeezing profit margins — especially for small and mid-sized farms. Many local growers rely on predictable supply chains and steady markets, and disruptions — whether from tariffs, shipping delays, or rising material costs — have a direct impact on their ability to plan and maintain operations.
“Every dollar counts when you’re running a family farm,” one local farmer noted. “When costs go up this much, it affects everything from what we can plant to what we can sell, and how we stay in business.”
Long-term, these challenges could threaten the sustainability of local farms, affect local food availability, and impact the small businesses and families that rely on fresh, locally grown products.
How the Community Can Help
Supporting local farms doesn’t require political expertise — it simply takes community engagement and action. Here are several practical ways you can make a difference:
Buy local: Visit farm stands, farmers markets, and co-ops to purchase fresh produce, meat, dairy, and eggs. Every purchase helps a farm stay afloat.
Support farm-to-table restaurants: Eating at restaurants that source ingredients locally creates steady demand for nearby farmers. (LouReda's, On the Square, Rustic Roots are all local farm to table restaurants)
Join a CSA: Community Supported Agriculture programs provide farmers with upfront income and help build a loyal customer base.
Promote local farms on social media: Share photos, tag farms, and highlight seasonal products. A simple post or story can expand their reach and bring in new customers.
Support farm-based educational programs: Get involved in farm-to-school initiatives, 4-H, or FFA programs. Encouraging youth to connect with agriculture helps build a strong future for local farms.
Gift local: Give farm-fresh products like produce, honey, eggs, or meat as gifts to friends and family. It’s a creative way to support farmers and share the benefits of local food.
By taking these steps, our community can ensure that local farms remain resilient and thriving — keeping fresh, locally grown food available for everyone in Nash and Edgecombe counties.
Rising costs may be a challenge for local farmers, but the community’s support can make a real difference. Whether it’s buying local, promoting farms online, volunteering, or gifting farm products to friends and family, every action helps ensure that Nash and Edgecombe counties continue to have vibrant, sustainable farms for generations to come.
Did we miss a farm? Or is there another way you know how to support local farmers - let us know! Contact@twincountymedia.com
