P.E.I. potato growers plan irrigation expansion after drought-hit 2025

CANADA – Prince Edward Island potato farmers are planning major irrigation upgrades after a dry 2025 growing season reduced yields across the province.

From July to September, many areas received very little rain, forcing growers to rethink how they manage water and protect future crops.

Many producers now plan to install new irrigation systems over the winter to avoid a repeat of this year’s shortfall. According to recent industry reports, the focus is on improving water access and efficiency across farms with different soil types and crop rotations.

The goal is simple: to reduce the impact of prolonged heat and dry conditions that are becoming more common.

Growers across the Island saw smaller potatoes and below-average yields in fields without irrigation. “Our non-irrigated acres really struggled this year,” said one farmer from Summerside. “Even the irrigated ones were under pressure, but at least they held up better.” The situation mirrors what was seen in other parts of Atlantic Canada, where dry weather and high temperatures affected both harvest timing and quality.

Historically, only a small share of P.E.I. farms had irrigation systems, leaving many crops at risk during dry spells. Over the last few years, more growers have invested in new technology and equipment designed for the Island’s irregularly shaped fields.

“We’ve seen a steady increase in irrigation spending,” noted an agronomy consultant in Charlottetown. “This year confirmed why that investment matters.”

Strengthening supply and quality

For potato packers and processors, the expansion is not just about water access but also about supply stability. Reliable irrigation helps maintain tuber size and prevents stress-related defects, which affect storage and contracts with buyers. Although installation and running costs differ by farm, many producers say the investment makes sense after this year’s drought.

“When you lose yield, you lose income, and that hurts everyone in the chain,” said a grower from O’Leary. “Adding more irrigation is a form of insurance against that.”

Farmers are also focusing on complementary practices such as choosing more drought-tolerant potato varieties and improving soil structure to hold moisture better. These methods, when used with irrigation, can strengthen crops and spread risks.

With the harvest nearly finished and potatoes moving into storage, attention is turning to installation timelines for pumps, pipes, and control systems. Engineers and water specialists are already helping farmers plan layouts that match available water sources with field needs.

Meanwhile, the provincial agriculture department has signaled continued support for responsible water use and infrastructure expansion. The Canadian Potato Council also confirmed that research trials will continue into 2026 to test irrigation efficiency across different field conditions.

For now, the message from growers is clear. “We can’t control the weather,” said another farmer near Kensington. “But we can prepare better for when it turns against us.”

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