Prince Edward Island provincial government has put a moratorium on well drilling for the island's potato crop.
After 53 applications for deep-water wells had been received, and Cavendish Farms, the province's largest potato processor, calling for more, it looks bleak. The processor wants to put another 12,000 acres under irrigation.
Despite Cavendish's warning that 956 jobs are being held in the balance, an Ag Canada research specialist warned that irrigation is too expensive--$80,000 per 100 acres of potatoes.
The specialist also said that with PEI's shallow soil, it won't hold that much water. He noted PEI had survived worse droughts than last season.