P.E.I. will create a task force to address rising levels of nitrates in drinking water within the next two weeks, and the government wants potato processors to be involved.

'Cavendish Farms and McCain's [are] not lily white on this.'— Agriculture Minister Jim Bagnall

Agriculture Minister Jim Bagnall said Tuesday that nitrate levels started rising on P.E.I. about 20 years ago, around the time Island farmers started catering to french fry makers like Cavendish Farms and McCain's.

Extra long french fries are the goal of the potato processors
(CBC)

Bagnall said that industry's demand for bigger potatoes, ones that make french fries that stand up out of the box, meant using more chemical fertilizers, and that means more nitrates.

"We will be expecting the food processors like Cavendish Farms and McCain's to get involved because they're not lily white on this, either," said Bagnall.

"We're told it's nitrates from chemical fertilizers that's part of the problem here, so the time has come to tackle it."

The nitrates problem was confirmed this week by a joint federal-provincial study. It showed nitrate levels over Health Canada guidelines in one in five wells.

Possible carcinogen?

Nitrates can affect the blood's ability to carry iron, and is a particular problem for infants, leading to what is called blue baby syndrome. P.E.I.'s chief health officer says there has never been a case of blue baby syndrome on the Island.

Health Canada also classifies nitrates in drinking water a possible carcinogen, but currently believes there isn't enough evidence to show the chemical could actually cause cancer in humans.

'I don't think we will call it a possible carcinogen.'— Richard Carrier, Health Canada

Health Canada scientist Richard Carrier told CBC News the Health Canada guideline was last examined 15 years ago.

"Going back to 1992, we were doing science in a specific way, and if we were to do it again today I don't think we will call it a possible carcinogen," said Carrier.

"There is no clear evidence of a link between nitrate in drinking water and cancer in humans. And of course Health Canada continues to monitor the science to ensure human health is protected."

Guidelines being reviewed

Health Canada is currently reviewing its nitrates in drinking water guidelines, but it will likely be years before that review is concluded.

But the uncertain science is not preventing the provincial government from taking precautions. Environment Minister Jamie Ballem agrees with Jim Bagnall that the process potato industry has to be part of the solution.

Jamie Ballem says potato farming didn't always require so much chemical fertilizer.
(CBC)

"Sixty per cent of the potatoes in this province are contracted, and the contract says thou shall provide me with this type of potato," said Ballem.

"A few years ago we were growing a lot more seed that didn't take nearly as much nitrogen. The processors, the fertilizer companies, they have a role to play. They cannot just stand back and say, 'Well, we're selling you the fertilizer and we're asking you to produce this product for us,' without stepping up and helping with the solution."
 
Bagnall says while he can't force Cavendish Farms or McCain's to be part of the task force, he hopes they'll take responsibility for their role in the problem.