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Prince Edward Island’s iconic potato industry is facing one of its toughest years yet as a prolonged drought threatens to slash yields well below average.
Greg Donald, general manager of the PEI Potato Board, confirmed that farmers are already preparing for disappointing results. “Without question, this will be a below average year. The plants have been under extreme stress,” he said, noting that the extent of the damage will depend on rainfall in the coming weeks.
Weather records show just how severe the drought has been. Charlottetown received only 44.8 millimetres of rain in July—barely half the long-term average. By August 26, only 10 millimetres had fallen compared to the typical 89 mm. Across the province, water levels have dropped to near-historic lows, while bans on outdoor burning remain in place.
The heat has worsened conditions, with more than a week of 30°C-plus days between late July and mid-August. Fox Island even recorded a scorching 39.5°C, further stressing crops.
While irrigated fields may produce closer to average yields, the majority of the Island’s potato farms are expected to fall short. Early harvests have already shown small tubers and poor yields. Later-maturing varieties may still benefit if rains arrive soon, though Donald warned that “every week without rain makes the outlook worse.”
The drought’s impact will be felt most acutely in table and processing potatoes, though seed producers may see slightly less damage given their smaller size requirements.
