WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) – Rising fertilizer and fuel costs linked to conflict in the Middle East are driving up expenses for farmers, including those at a longtime Wakulla County blueberry farm.
At Saladino’s Red Barn Farm, owner Steve Saladino said operating costs have tripled, forcing the farm to increase prices for customers who visit the U-pick operation.
“We were charging $2 a pound and fuel was very inexpensive, but all my costs of operation have tripled,” Saladino said. “Especially this year with high marine-grade gas I use for the equipment and diesel for my tractors.”…