b'Were trying to identify more opportunities to go there because it is using an existing infrastructure, says Peru. We know that there is producer interest there as well.All farmers that applied for water licences from that announcement have been given the green light. Peru expects in 2024 producers will develop their infrastructure to take advantage of the water allocations.For the Lake Diefenbaker expansion, Peru estimates hundreds of farmers will likely apply for a water licence.He isnt concerned about the lakes capacity to supply existing and soon-to-be farmers. A recent WSA analysis of 88 years of flow data on Lake Diefenbaker showed there is 900,000-acre feet of water available. In total, this project would use roughly 700,000-acre feet The Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Projects is the single biggest of water. infrastructure project in Saskatchewan history. By the time its Theres more water available in Lake Diefenbaker than even whatcompleted, the government will have spent $4 billion to bring 500,000 this large expansion project would require. In terms of water supply,acres of farmland under irrigation.PHOTO: WATER SECURITY AGENCYSaskatchewan is in very good shape to move this forward. The advantage of unity for us is having information about all the Its good news for broader industry, as well. Recently,potatoes in Canada. We all impact each other, whats happening in Saskatchewan rejoined the United Potato Growers of Canadadifferent sectors, whether its seed, fresh or processing, we impact (UPGC), along with New Brunswick and Ontario.each other. The more information we have about all those potatoes, The organization now has members from British Columbiathe better off we are as growers in terms of making good decisions straight through to Prince Edward Island. about our crop and marketing.UPGC Manager Victoria Stamper is thrilled to have moreStamper adds the UPGC is keeping a close eye on Saskatchewan provinces communally contribute to Canadas potato pile. and its irrigation development. Ultimately, the organization sees it as Members see the value of being a part of United Potato Growersa positive for the provinces farmers.of Canada in terms of having shared information across the countryIrrigation is such an important part for growing potatoes, so its about supply and demand, not just in Canada, but North Americadefinitely exciting in terms of opportunities for growth. We want and Europe as well, says Stamper.Canadian potatoes to be a good industry. 28SPUDSMART.COMWinter 2024'