Editor, the Abbotsford News,
Thank-you so much for your recent story on the possible future ban of propane cannons. (Cannon ban on the table, Saturday November 24, 2007). As someone who lives in close proximity to several cannon-using blueberry farms I am happy that the News is helping to bring this contentious issue to the general public.
It was the remarks made by Paul Gill, Chairman of the B. C. Blueberry Council that has prompted me to write. In the article, Mr. Gill, referring to a 'total ban' on cannons, is quoted as saying he 'hopes it won't come to that'. As a farmer who resides on a 180 acre blueberry farm, Mr. Gill alone has the potential to fire off 1,350 legal blasts a day, 7 days a week. (Current regulations are such that a cannon can be placed every 5 acres, and can, via triple-shots, blast every 5 minutes from 6:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.) Mr. Gill is also quoted as saying "that our neighbours are our friends".
Well, Mr. Gill, living in the 'heart of berry country' as we do (and I think that I speak for many, many of my neighbours as well) I just have one thing to say to you, and to all other errant blueberry farmers who use archaic farming practices like propane cannons when other, more humane methods like netting are available--With friends like you, who needs enemies?
Nothing short of a total ban will do.
Sincerely,
(Mrs.) K. P.
Bradner
