Farms.com Home   News

Amendment to Copyright Act to give farmers access to machinery software

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) reiterates its steadfast support for Saskatchewan farmers’ right-to-repair their equipment.

According to APAS, competition is essential in agriculture input markets, there is limited competition, however, for repairs. Farmers own equipment but lack the tools to make rapid repairs when systems are protected behind copyright.

“Most equipment manufacturers build in software protections that restrict a farmer’s ability to perform basic diagnostics, maintenance or repair of their own equipment,” noted Ian Boxall, APAS president. “APAS members believe that when you own the equipment, you also should have the right to repair it in a manner that makes sense for your farm.”

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Canada reaches tariff deal with China on canola, electric vehicles

Video: Canada reaches tariff deal with China on canola, electric vehicles

Canada has reached a deal with China to increase the limit of imports of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in exchange for Beijing dropping tariffs on agricultural products, such as canola, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday.

The tariffs on canola are dropping to 15 per cent starting on March 1. In exchange for dropping duties on agricultural products, Carney is allowing 49,000 Chinese EVs to be exported to Canada.

Carney described it as a “preliminary but landmark” agreement to remove trade barriers and reduce tariffs, part of a broader strategic partnership with China.