(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – August 14th, 2013) Potato growers farming in the Trout River Watershed, which includes the Barclay Brook, met on Monday, August 12th, 2013 to discuss recent and recurrent incidences of fish mortality in their local area and to find ways to prevent similar events from occurring in the future. Also in attendance were representatives from the Prince Edward Island Potato Board and the PEI Department of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as O’Leary-Inverness MLA Hon. Robert Henderson.
The assembled growers discussed the recommendations outlined in the Report by the Action Committee of Sustainable Land Management. This committee provided 18 recommendations designed to prevent future fish mortalities and environmental degradation in the Barclay Brook, with specific recommendations aimed at growers, agricultural industry organizations, the PEI government, and watershed groups.
In reviewing these recommendations, the growers agreed in principle with implementation of the Committee’s recommendations. Additionally, the grower group recognized the need for a local coordinator to assist growers in the implementation of these recommendations as well as to work with the Government of PEI and watershed groups to ensure effective communication and collaboration between all parties. All of the growers in attendance are very concerned about the fish deaths this summer and committed to working together to find long-term and lasting solutions to the problem.
Potato growers in the Trout River Watershed and the Prince Edward Island Potato Board look forward to working with stakeholders to implement recommendations that are aimed at preventing adverse effects on the environment while maintaining the economic sustainability of the province’s largest economic engine. For additional comment, please contact Greg Donald, General Manager of the PEI Potato Board at (902) 892-6551.
Prince Edward Island Potatoes are world renowned for the great taste and quality that comes from growing in the unique red soil of PEI. The potato industry in PEI creates a total economic impact of $1.065 billion dollars and directly or indirectly employs over 12% of the Island workforce. The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is a producer-controlled association dedicated to supporting the highest performance of an economically and environmentally sustainable potato industry.