Top Crop Manager

Combines/Harvesters
Revised Act to protect Alberta farmers

Feb. 9, 2015 - Alberta's new Farm Implement and Dealership Act will continue to ensure Alberta farmers are treated fairly when purchasing and maintaining farm equipment, according to the province's Farmers' Advocate Office (FAO).

"The Farm Implement and Dealership Act helps protect the investment that Albertan farmers make in farm implements by establishing minimum requirements for sale agreements, warranties and the availability of spare parts," Jeana Les with the FAO says. "The Act also provides a mechanism for resolving disputes regarding farm implements."

The new Farm Implement and Dealership Act is a blended act combining the old Farm Implement Dealerships Act and the Farm Implement Act. The two acts were combined on December 17, 2014, when Bill 6, the Statutes Amendment Act, received royal assent. Bill 6 also includes numerous changes to sections of the former Farm Implement Act.

"The revised statute addresses gaps in the legislation and adds more clarity. This legislation has been around since the mid-1960s and, like any good legislation, it needs to keep evolving to meet the realities we're facing. We've also taken this opportunity make our Farm Implement and Dealership Act more consistent with equivalent legislation in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Manitoba."

As the administrator for the Farm Implement and Dealership Act, the FAO provides support to the Farm Implement Board, employs a farm implement inspector, and manages licensing for dealers and distributors. The Farm Implement Board is comprised of three farmers, three industry representatives, and one member appointed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

"The FAO strives to resolve complaints through the Farm Implement Inspector to help limit costs and ensure expediency for affected farmers," said Les. "In 2013-14, the farm implement inspector spoke with approximately 240 different farmers and agri-business owners, mediated 155 disputes and completed over 20 farm implement inspections. As a result, the Farm Implement Board did not need to review any disputes in 2013-14."

More information on these changes is available on the FAO website. The new legislation will come into force in 2015, once the required amendments to the regulation are completed to align with the amended legislation. Updated copies of the Farm Implement and Dealership Act will also be available on the FAO website once they become available.

 

 

February 9, 2015  By Top Crop Manager


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