Why Are Dates So Expensive?

Medjool Dates are delicious.  But 14 of them or .7 lbs of dates cost me friggin $6 at Wholefoods.  I bought some Deglet dates on the vine from Fairway for $9.99 for 2 lbs.  But they are a drier date.  Disappointing.  I really need a good cheap date!  Went to order online and all the sites were sold out.  What's up?  They are such a good high calorie fruit that can serve as a snack or even a meal.  I'm just gonna suck it up and buy them anyway.  Duh.  If I had a million dollars I'd spend the whole million on dates.  They are from Heaven, Arizona, California and Israel.  But I know for a fact that they grow them locally in NY!  Come on!  DATES FOR EVERYONE!  I started and finished the container while writing this.