CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (WROC) — Rising gas prices are putting pressure on drivers, farmers and families across the Finger Lakes, with some local farmers warning the impact could soon show up at the grocery store.

Local farmers and residents joined Sen. Chuck Schumer in Canandaigua on Monday, calling for an end to the war in Iran as the national average price of gas climbed to $4.46 per gallon.

“Families in the Rochester Finger Lakes area are paying the price. We’re all paying the price,” Schumer said.

According to AAA, the average diesel price in New York is $5.93 per gallon. Schumer said the cost is especially painful for farmers, truckers and small businesses that rely on diesel to keep goods moving.

“A lot of our farmers, a lot of our truckers, a lot of our people who own stores depend on diesel prices because that’s what the trucks use,” Schumer said. “And those are even higher.”

Ryan Aiken of Hemdale Farms in Seneca Castle said the timing is especially difficult as farmers prepare for the growing season.

“We’re gearing up to plant all our crops, and that takes tractors and it takes trucks, and all those things take fuel to get the job done,” Aiken said.

Hemdale Farms grows vegetables and produces dairy products. Aiken said if diesel costs keep climbing, consumers may feel the impact beyond the gas pump.

“What it’s ultimately going to mean is it’s going to cost everybody more for the food that they eat,” Aiken said.

Schumer said he is voting on the War Powers Resolution to prevent U.S. troops from being sent to Iran without congressional approval. He argued that ending the conflict and moving toward a negotiated settlement would help bring fuel prices down.

“I’m not asking them to take sides. Some are Democrats, some are Republicans. But all of us want the price of gas down,” Schumer said. “The best way to get the price of gas down is to put a halt to this war and start the negotiated settlement.”

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