Goal is to head off noise conflicts with residents as cash-ripe industry expands
Larry Pynn, Vancouver Sun,
Published: Saturday, November 17, 2007,
A proliferation of cash-ripe blueberry fields in the Lower Mainland is
prompting the B.C. government to meet with the industry to find ways to
minimize potential conflicts with residential neighbourhoods over the use of
loud propane cannons to scare away birds.
The province estimates the region's blueberry industry is expanding at 600
hectares per year, with a total of 6,400 hectares planted in 2007, up from
3,440 hectares in 2001. The amount of area under harvest increased to 4,400
hectares from 2,400 hectares during that period. A blueberry bush matures at
five or six years, but can yield a partial crop at two or three years.
Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell said ministry and industry officials
will meet over the winter to consider alternatives to cannons for deterring
birds and to try to offset some of the complaints certain to come from
residential areas in the path of expanding blueberry farms.
A typical propane-charged cannon used to scare birds from blueberry crops.View
Larger Image View Larger Image
A typical propane-charged cannon used to scare birds from blueberry crops.
"We'll look at all the options," Bell said. "There is no doubt about the
increased volume of blueberries in the valley."
Surrey, Delta, Abbotsford, Pitt Meadows and Chilliwack are among the areas
undergoing the fastest growth.
The B.C. Blueberry Council estimates 600 farmers grew 28 million kg of
blueberries this year between Richmond and Chilliwack, up from 24 million kg
just two years ago.
"Prices have been strong the past couple of years, and farmers are responding,"
said Will Van Baalen, the council's executive director.
Bert van Dalfsen, manager of the ministry's strengthening-farming program, said
the industry is growing so quickly that he fears a glut of product on the
market could lead to an economic crash.
He said propane cannons remain the "preferred method of bird control" among
growers. Others options include pyrotechnics, the hiring of falconers, kites
that resemble hawks, netting, noises designed to mimic avian predators and
distress calls, mock owls and colourful reflective streamers.
The ministry is also investigating laser lights, as well as cannons activated
only by the presence of birds.
Abbotsford residents especially have long complained that blueberry farmers
should be forced to erect nets over their fields, sparing neighbourhoods from
the incessant noise.
But Van Dalfsen said it's not that easy, since birds can also get caught in
nets and farmers require more complicated net systems if they use mechanical
rather than hand pickers during the harvest.
Van Baalen noted the council employs a liaison staff member to respond to
public complaints during the blueberry season. Fraser Valley residents have
created a website -- www.banthecannons.com/index.html -- aimed at mustering
public opposition to the cannons, permitted under provincial legislation.
lpynn@png.canwest.com
