AMC president says TPP provides opportunities for ag manufacturers

Jan 27, 2016

Tariffs on ag machinery could be reduced or eliminated

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC), an organization made up of more than 300 members including Walinga, Penta, MacDon and Bourgault, has voiced its support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

AMC President Leah Olson said the 12-country trade agreement can allow Canadian ag manufacturers to continue building a successful industry and target other priority markets.

“Our industry in 2014 exported over $2 billion,” she said. “Our top markets tend to be (other than the United States) Australia and various others. There’s some definite opportunities for our manufacturers to export more of their equipment.”

Olson said Australia and New Zealand are among the countries where there’s a need for agricultural equipment.

Bourgault

Under the TPP agreement, many tariffs will be eliminated or reduced; according to Global Affairs Canada, New Zealand and Australia will eliminate tariffs of up to five per cent on harvesters, mowers and other equipment.

Since the introduction of the TPP, there have been people openly against it but Olson said the agreement can have a multi-layered effect – especially if the traded products are of the highest quality.

“When you start to trade with others it either brings your production up or if you’re in a weaker perspective, gives you opportunities to improve it and work with others who have a competitive advantage,” she said. “We’re fortunate that we are the best of the best.”

Video: Brent Avalanche 98-Series Dual Auger Grain Carts

The Brent® Avalanche® dual-auger grain carts have set powerful standards for unloading speed, convenience, capacity and durability. The all-new 98-Series of Avalanche grain carts carry on this tradition and give the operator more auger side reach and height along with choice of right- or left-hand unloading to meet individual preferences. The dual-auger design provides a narrow transport width and low profile for greater stability and ease of transport and features the fastest unloading speeds, no matter the moisture of grain. In addition to the industry’s first pivoting vertical unloading auger, the 98-Series is standard with a 4-way directional downspout that is operated on the tractor’s SCV remotes. The all-welded construction, rubber cushioned tongue suspension and heavy-duty dual-belt drive system ensure years of dependable service. Capacities range from 3,150 to 1,100 bushels and with unloading speeds up to 1,000 bushels per minute depending on model, operators can get back to the combine quicker to keep harvest moving smoothly. Bigger, faster, better. The Avalanche 98-Series dual-auger grain carts feature dynamic performance that now pivots to new heights.