RED DEER — Farm leaders should use their influence to increase harmonized agriculture trade between provinces, says a border area farmer.
Terry Murray of Wainwright, Alta., said there are a truck load of opportunities to improve standardized rules around cross border trade for agricultural equipment, food and transportation.
He said producers from border towns such as Lloydminster and Fort St. John, B.C., who buy equipment in both provinces need consistent cross-border legislation designed to protect farmers.
“All these various provinces have a need to look at relations between farming and provinces,” Murray told a panel of the three general farm leaders in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta during the Alberta Federation of Agriculture meeting.
Read Also
New coal mine proposal met with old concerns
A smaller version of the previously rejected Grassy Mountain coal mine project in Crowsnest Pass is back on the table, and the Livingstone Landowners Group continues to voice concerns about the environmental risks.
For example, equipment warranties are no longer valid if the machinery is bought in one province and used in another.
Todd Lewis, vice-president of the Agricultural Producers of Saskatchewan, said there is a long list of ways to improve harmonization between provinces, including labour standards, trucking and equipment purchase warranties.
“You should be able to buy equipment in Alberta and have the warranty work,” said Lewis.
mary.macarthur@producer.com
