Abbotsford News Editorial
Published: February 09, 2009
Opponents of blueberry cannons have a simple but effective argument against the devices: Only about half of farmers use them, so how can they argue that they are absolutely necessary.
And those opponents are hopeful that their side of the debate will finally be heard.
The Farm Industry Review Board (FIRB) is conducting hearings with people from both sides of this argument at the Abbotsford Agriculture Centre.
Those complaining about the cannons say dealing with the board is far preferable to taking their complaints to the provincial blueberry council, which represents producers.
Farmers deserve our support and respect. Agriculture has made this community grow. What’s more, any restriction of their activities or criticism must acknowledge right to farm legislation.
Blueberries are the favoured crop, and raspberry farms are slowly being weeded out to make way for the more lucrative berries.
Starlings can eat up to 15 per cent of a blueberry crop. Cannons scare them away. If anything was cutting into your income by that amount, you too might consider putting up with loud noises throughout the summer to limit your losses.
The problem is the effect on the neighbours. The cannons drive some people to move away, while others literally cry at the noise that is always compared to “a war zone.” And others, like those meeting with FIRB, are determined to fight, because they feel their right to living in peace and quiet is being compromised.
The government should consider putting together a grant program to allow blueberry producers to put some of the province’s money toward a solution: Netting. Netting is the most effective way to keep the birds off the crops. Better by far than the propane cannons. Farmers would benefit, so they should pay a share. And grants for netting should be made available.
Then, the government could feel justified in finally banning the cannons.
