Cannons are used to protect fruit crops from bird predation. They are used from late spring through late fall, depending on the crop and the location of the farm. Under the Act, the Board hears complaints about the use of cannons to combat bird predation. The Board received eighty written submissions from the industry, government agencies, local governments and members of the non-farming community. Back to Top Issues Identified in Submissions Grower organizations and farmers using cannons were supportive of the existing Guidelines.
Cannons are effective and currently used extensively.
Farmers are seeking alternatives. The peer advisor system, where grower organizations work with farmers and neighbours to resolve disputes, works well. They agree that many parties need to come together on this issue. A cannon supplier noted that few effective alternatives to cannons exist and generally agreed with the Guidelines. Farmers need to be trained in the proper operation of cannons, with regulated hours of operation a possible solution to some disputes.