Nets are the silent solution
The Abbotsford - Mission Times
Friday, December 07, 2007
TO THE EDITOR:
Since last summer, we have heard countless suggestions, complaints and views about the use of cannons in blueberry fields.
With the production of this lucrative crop about to spread even further, it seems ridiculous that our elected MLAs and members of our government are still just talking.
It's time to stop discussing this issue and make whatever amending legislation necessary to the "Right to Farm Act", so as to exclude unnecessary noise due to negative impact on health and undue stress on citizens, and simultaneously outlaw cannon use on farms. Established farms should have to phase them out within one year. What can be used instead? The answer is simple, quiet, and is used by reasonable growers - nets.
We have read comments from MLA Randy Hawes as well as Agriculture Minister Pat Bell, the latter quoted as saying that the government "wants to set up meetings with growers . . . to look for ways to reduce the urban-agricultural noise conflict that comes to a head every summer."
Are you serious, Mr. Bell? The growers want the cheapest method so as to maximize their profits, ie. cannons. What's the real reason for this delay?
There has been some mention of the untried lasers, but certainly the minister would not choose that route at this time when there is no scientific study to assure that lasers would not do any long-term harm to other wildlife or humans.
The choice is obvious: use nets over blueberry fields. It can be done - it has been done - so please get the necessary bylaws or regulations in place before more farms take advantage of your lack of action and install more cannons.
L. R.
Mission
