LANARK — The province would not be able to enforce its restrictions on neonicotinoid-treated seeds if farmers stood united in defiance, said outspoken Lanark crop farmer and co-founder of the Ontario landowners movement, John Vanderspank.
“If farmers decide to stand up, I don’t see how (the neonic restrictions) can be enforceable,” Vanderspank told Farmers Forum.
No matter what, the restrictions will be hard to enforce, he said. “Crop specialists aren’t going to stick their neck out (to stop farmers). If there is a crop failure, who will be responsible?”
Vanderspank, who was key to the many successful tractor rallies 10 years ago, appears to be testing the waters for another grassroots wake-up call.
Vanderspank did not rule out renewed tractor demonstrations and blockades and said grassroots farmers don’t need farm organizations to unite in protest.