FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
October 26, 2026
Contact: Levi Teitel, levi@progressmichigan.org
NEW POLL: When Farmers Feel Pinched, Everyone Else Does, Too
MICHIGAN — Recent polling released by Progress Michigan in concert with Public Policy Polling takes a look at issues around agriculture and its impact on the affordability crisis. Polling shows that there is a high level of concern over rising costs for farmers as tariffs and energy prices hurt their ability to make a living, while there is near-unanimous consensus that increased costs to farmers are impacting everyone else directly. Moreover, two in five Michiganders say high diesel and fertilizer prices caused by the war in Iran is the biggest factor driving up grocery prices, while nearly one in four say it’s tariffs and trade wars.
“Family farmers are suffering because of Trump’s policies, and Michiganders know it,” said Bob Thompson, president of Michigan Farmers Union. “The administration just announced a second round of emergency aid for farmers, which was entirely preventable had Trump not pushed a reckless war. Farmers need long-term certainty, not band-aids. That’s why Congress must commit to passing a strong farm bill that gives family farmers the stable footing they need.”
“Michiganders feel the connection between what they’re paying for eggs, dairy, beef, and apples and the abysmal policies that drive those prices higher,” said Justin Mendoza, executive director of Progress Michigan. “When families feel the economic pain at the grocery store, it’s a feeling shared by farmers across the state. It’s disappointing that Republicans in Congress continue to fall behind on passing a farm bill while supporting Trump’s dangerous agenda for rural America.”
How concerned are you about issues affecting farmers, such as the impact of tariffs and rising energy costs: very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not concerned at all?
How much do you think increased costs to farmers for things like diesel fuel, fertilizer and equipment will impact you directly: a lot, somewhat, or not at all?
What do you think is the biggest factor currently driving up the cost of groceries: tariffs and trade wars, high diesel and fertilizer prices caused by the war in Iran, extreme weather events affecting food production, or something else?
###