b"Were really excited it looks like it'll be up to the government, but we're hopeful that by next spring, our farmers will be able to have access to be able to get a permit or have the opportunity to get a permit for a high capacity well, DonaldGetting local data andexplains. experience in supplemental Moving Forward irrigation is important, as irrigating The change wont just happen overnight though as the work ispotatoes in a place like P.E.I.now just beginning for growers across the Island.The P.E.I. Potato Board expects the amount of irrigationis much different than in Western systems in the province will increase as growers are able toCanada or the Pacific Northwest. access high capacity well permits.This new ability for farms to get permits for wells shouldRYAN BARRETTresult in more investment in irrigation equipment as well as increased focus on the agronomy of irrigation, including irrigation scheduling and different types of irrigation. Getting local data and experience in supplemental irrigation isFor an individual, for not a lot of farm acreage, it's a huge important, as irrigating potatoes in a place like P.E.I. is muchinvestment, and that'll be a big, that'll be a challenge for a lot of different than in Western Canada or the Pacific Northwest, Ryangrowers. You may not be able to be viable without it, Donald Barrett, research and agronomy specialist with the P.E.I. Potatoexplains.Board, explains in an email. He points towards provinces such as Saskatchewan and There is still a lot of collaborative work which needs toAlberta who have made irrigation funding announcements in be completed before irrigation booms dot P.E.I. Expandingrecent years, saying P.E.I. may need to look into doing something irrigation systems on the Island will require new infrastructuresimilar. The P.E.I. Potato Board plans to continue working with for water movement and power for the systems.the government and growers throughout these next steps. 22SPUDSMART.COM Fall 2021"