Agriculture Manufacturers Discuss Trans-Pacific Partnership
The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC) is a national, member-driven organization that is dedicated to offering a strong, viable and highly respected agricultural manufacturing industry. The organization has over 300 members whose main aim is to foster and promote the growth and development of the agricultural equipment manufacturing industry in Canada and the world beyond.
In early 2016, the President of the AMC, Leah Olson, participated in a constructive round-table discussion regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with the Parliamentary Secretary for International Trade. The meeting between the two stakeholders was part of a number of national consultations aimed towards addressing issues that affect short line agricultural equipment manufacturers and their success both at a local and global level. The agricultural manufacturing sector has been mostly ignored as a hub for innovation. However, in recent years we have seen great innovations from the sector ranging from better farm tools and equipment to better inputs such as new fertilizers that improve the productivity of the farmers.
The AMC President insisted that the national government should continue supporting the agricultural manufacturers through the various programs, such as the SR&ED tax credit program and the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). These programs aid innovation and development in the manufacturing sector.
Olson also stated that the TPP holds a great deal of potential for farmers and agricultural equipment manufacturers alike. In addition, she highlighted the TPP as a program that provides a unique opportunity for the agriculture industry. As at 2016, the members of the AMC have leading edge products that compete with the best on a global level. The CanExport announcement by Minister Chrystia Freeland was a move that was hailed and welcomed by the various stakeholders in the manufacturing industry, as it helped to strengthen the short line industry across Canada.
