Exceptional drought could push grocery prices higher, expert says

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As southeastern North Carolina remains under an exceptional drought, the highest level of drought classification, experts say the prolonged dry conditions are creating challenges for farmers and could eventually affect grocery prices.

The drought developed after months of below-average precipitation beginning in the winter and continuing through the spring and summer, leaving crops under increasing stress during the peak growing season.

Dr. Craig Ramseyer, a geography professor at Virginia Tech, said if the dry conditions continue in major agricultural regions, consumers could begin seeing higher prices at the grocery store in the coming months.

“If those types of droughts persists that when entering the heart of growing season, corn, wheat and potatoes out of the Northern plains if drought really takes hold there, could cause impacts in  grocery store pricing over the next couple of months.”

Ramseyer said the region will need several widespread, long-duration rainfall events to significantly improve drought conditions, adding that isolated thunderstorms are unlikely to provide enough relief.