Abbotsford News, Editorial,
Published: July 13, 2009 5:00 PM
The days of blueberry cannons in Abbotsford may be coming to an end, at least
if the opponents of the controversial bird-scaring devices get their way.
As detailed in today’s edition of the Abbotsford News, numerous innovative
alternatives are now being suggested to both protect crops and the eardrums of
nearby residents.
Some of these techniques are still in their experimental stages, and farmers
will no doubt want assurances that any cannon alternative they try will work
before they change their farming methods. Without those guarantees, they could
be counting the costs of an extremely expensive experiment.
However, should these alternatives prove to be cost-effective and viable, then
there is no reason why blueberry cannons should not be phased out.
We recognize the importance of agriculture in Abbotsford, both to the economy
and to the local job market.
That being said, non-farming residents also have the right to enjoy a
relatively tranquil summer without cannons booming in the background.
It is time for the industry to pinpoint a new solution to keep airborne vermin
away from their crops, and the sooner the better.
With an array of suggestions including birds of prey, kites and nets, there
appears to be no shortage of alternatives.
