Maine Farmers Raise Prices by 50 Cents as Fuel Costs Jump Nearly $1.50

5 articles · Updated · NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ · May 25

Maine farmers market vendors say rising operating costs are forcing price increases as the summer season opens, with some products already marked up by 50 cents.
Gas prices are nearly $1.50 higher than a year ago, while freight surcharges and tariffs on imported goods are lifting costs for travel, deliveries and supplies.
Stillbrook Acres Farm said feed shipments now carry 8% to 14% fuel surcharges, and one mixer seller faced a 20% freight charge on glass bottles from Canada.
Vendors said many small businesses are trimming spending elsewhere to absorb the increases, even as markets account for most of their revenue during the season.
With summer markets underway across Maine, sellers said continued customer support will be critical to keeping the local food ecosystem viable.

With production costs soaring, how much more can local shoppers pay to keep their beloved markets alive?

As hundreds of Maine farms disappear, are its iconic farmers markets now facing a silent collapse?

A $50 million bond is proposed to save Maine's farms, but will it be enough to stop the crisis?