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Growers already have been struggling with declining farm incomes because of high input costs, global competition and low commodity prices.

A lengthy ports shutdown could raise prices on goods around the country and potentially cause shortages and price increases at retailers as the holiday shopping season approaches.

Key industry and government officials are urging U.S. dockworkers and their employers to avoid a strike at East and Gulf Coast ports, though many facilities are bracing for a shutdown.

The union, which represents 1,200 dockworkers, gave 72-hour strike notice on Sept. 27 to the Maritime Employers Association.

Logistics experts say a threatened strike by U.S. dockworkers could stymie shipping activity that stretches far beyond the East and Gulf Coast ports where work stoppages would occur.

U.S. ports reported strong results amid efforts in August to move cargo ahead of the holiday shipping season and a potential strike.

DETROIT — With a strike deadline looming, the group representing East and Gulf Coast ports is asking a federal agency to make the longshoremen’s union come to the bargaining table.

Some 45,000 dockworkers at every major eastern and Gulf coast port are threatening to strike Oct. 1.

With the recent deployment of two massive, all-electric harbor cranes, the Port of San Diego is about two-thirds of the way from reaching its ambitious zero-emission targets.

About 45,000 dockworkers along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts are threatening to strike on Oct. 1, a move that would shut down ports that handle about half the nation’s cargo from ships.