Wet weather worries PEI potato farmers

The wet weather is beginning to concern Prince Edward Island potato growers who are hoping for a break soon in the rain.

Gary Linkletter, chairman of the P.E.I. Potato Board, said the situation is not yet critical but it is getting there for some varieties.

"At this point it's not desperate,"he said. "It's only May 15. But if we don't get some better weather this week and then next week starts off rainy it's going to be June before we drop any potatoes into the ground. And that would be a problem, really.

"The longest day of the year is June 21-22 and if those potatoes aren't collecting that sunlight at that point in time, it's all wasted,"he said. "And it does make a difference, the length of days. We'd like to see it straighten around for obvious reasons."

Linkletter said it's a waiting game now for the farmers who are eager to get on their fields.