Organic farmers ‘cautiously optimistic’ about new P.E.I. irrigation strategy

There may be combined response within the farming group to a brand new Prince Edward Island irrigation technique. 

Final week, the province ended its 20-year moratorium on high-capacity wells for agriculture. The high-capacity wells can draw as a lot as 500 gallons of water per minute, and concern was raised concerning the impact they’ve on the Island’s groundwater ranges.

Beginning June 11, farmers can apply to the provincial authorities for a licence to drill a high-capacity nicely to water their crops.

The P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture applauds the finish of the moratorium, saying it is going to degree the taking part in discipline by offering farmers the identical entry to a significant useful resource as different companies reminiscent of golf programs. 

“We’re more than happy with the result and look ahead to starting the technique of creating new high-capacity wells,” stated Donald Killorn, govt director of the federation.

“There is definitely a necessity.”

Required to enhance soil first

As a part of the method for receiving a allow, farmers should work with the province to develop a plan to enhance the well being of their soil.

Wholesome soil is best at retaining moisture and requires much less fertilizer.

Killorn believes requiring soil well being enchancment plans is “a beautiful option to sequester carbon. As nicely, soil natural matter ensures we are able to proceed to develop meals whereas lowering our reliance on artificial fertilizers.” 

The P.E.I. Licensed Natural Producers Co-op says it’s inspired to see the province’s new irrigation technique, however stated it isn’t clear what steps farmers who irrigate should take to enhance their soil.

We sort of wished irrigation to be a software within the toolbox, however one of many final ones you seize.— Sally Bernard

“The phrases are clear that they acknowledge the significance of water administration, in order that half is nice,” stated Sally Bernard with Barnyard Organics in Freetown, P.E.I., and the president of the co-op.

“Appears to be like like there’s going to be plenty of monitoring and transparency arising … that is all nice. The place we’re involved it is falling a little bit bit flat is, we sort of wished irrigation to be a software within the toolbox, however one of many final ones you seize: that farmers could be doing a number of issues to mitigate the necessity for irrigation.”

Natural producers had recommended spring plowing, soil cowl, longer crop rotations, forest administration and extra that aren’t referenced within the technique, Bernard stated. 

“We really feel prefer it’s lacking a few of what may very well be required by way of allowing, a number of the issues we may very well be asking of farmers with a view to get permits,” she stated. 

Natural producers additionally notice a delay in establishing an impartial water authority.

‘Cautiously optimistic’

The province stated the authority will oversee not simply irrigation however all water use on P.E.I., however it is going to take time and additional consultations to find out precisely how that can work.

Within the meantime, the province will proceed to be in command of issuing water extraction permits.

Bernard stated natural producers are “cautiously optimistic” and can control the method to see the way it rolls out as soon as allowing begins.