Potato farmers in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) are facing one of the driest summers in recent memory, leading to significant challenges for crop growth. Andrew Lawless, who operates Hilltop Produce in Kinkora, has been using his irrigation system extensively since July to water approximately 40% of his crop weekly. Despite these efforts, Lawless expects to see a 30% reduction in his usual yield due to the persistent dry spell.
Lawless described this year as the most challenging since 2001 and the toughest in his farming career. He emphasized the substantial impact the drought-like conditions will have on his farm’s overall production. Greg Donald, the general manager of the P.E.I. Potato Board, noted that farmers across the province are expressing concerns about the state of this year’s crop.
The water scarcity issue extends beyond P.E.I., affecting various regions in North America, especially the northeastern United States and Canada. The P.E.I. Potato Board’s research team has been closely monitoring the situation through regular field sampling. Initial assessments suggested crops were in line with the five-year average, but recent samplings indicate a decline below average due to insufficient moisture levels.
Donald highlighted the potential financial repercussions of the dry conditions, emphasizing that it costs over $5,000 per acre to cultivate potatoes, with seed-potato production incurring even higher expenses. He warned that if farmers fail to recoup these costs, they could face financial difficulties. Looking ahead, the forecast indicates continued high temperatures and minimal rainfall in the coming weeks, raising concerns for the ongoing harvest season.
As harvesting commences in some areas and approaches for storage-bound potatoes, there is a sense of urgency among farmers to complete the harvest by late October. Lawless stressed the importance of investing in irrigation systems to mitigate the adverse effects of drought on crop quality and yield. He expressed gratitude for his irrigation setup, which has proven crucial in sustaining crop health during this challenging period.
Lawless emphasized the need for ongoing investments in innovative farming techniques to adapt to changing climatic conditions. He underscored his belief in climate change and the necessity for the agricultural sector to embrace new approaches to ensure food security amid evolving environmental challenges.