Auckland farmers say the new fuel tax is too complicated to claim back, and is impacting their bottom-line.

Since the 11 and a half cent fuel tax was introduced in July farmers have been out of pocket tens-of-thousands of dollars.

They can claim back the tax for the vehicles they use on the farm, but they're fed up with the difficult process.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman told Kate Hawkesby some growers have to wait three months to get a refund because they're too small to use the monthly system.

"Some of the growers are just saying, we won't even bother to claim because we will have to employ somebody to make the system work to make the claim so we will be losing money hand over fist."

Chapman said it's very likely some of it will be passed on to the consumer and if the fuel tax extends across the country, we're going to see a rise in the price of food, without a doubt.

"Let's make half-cent vehicle exempt full stop, no claim backs, no rebates, keep it simple and that way it's fair, it's equitable and consumers won't pay."

LISTEN ABOVE AS MIKE CHAPMAN SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY