Farm conservation officers on P.E.I. won't have guns

The P.E.I. government says environment officers assigned specifically to agricultural issues will no longer wear a uniform or carry firearms.

Environment officials said themove follows concerns raised by industry representatives and a successful pilot project that took place over the summer.

Island conservation officers have carried firearms to protect themselves and others since 1999. But farmers complained guns aren't needed to deal with agricultural issues.

As part of the pilot project, which started in May, one of the Island's 10 Conservation Officers worked unarmed and in plain clothes when dealing with farmers.

Minister of Communities, Land and Environment,Robert Mitchell, has now announceda new Agriculture Environment Officer unit will be set up within his department.

The office will be staffed by a full-time officer and three seasonal officers to respond to agricultural-related questions and concerns.They will not carry guns or wear a uniform.

It comes as welcome news to Greg Donald, the general manager of the PEI potato board.

"When it comes to the farming community I don't think there is any danger when it comes to dealing with situations and I think that it's a much better approach," said Donald.

"And it's going to be one that is going to continue to allow farming and improving and protecting the environment in a good way and you know carrying out farm businesses rather than you know one that might be confrontational and impeding progress on that front."

The officers in the new unit will provide advice and assistance to farmers on meeting environmental goals and standards.