AMC Connection: Agriculture manufacturers support Canada's Innovation Agenda at Canada-Ukraine Business Forum

TORONTO, June 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Agriculture Manufacturers of Canada president Leah Olson took part yesterday in the Canada-Ukraine Business Forum and took the opportunity to welcome the federal government's announcement on making Canada a world leader on innovation.

Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains, Science Minister Kirsty Duncan and Small Business Minister Bardish Chagger announced June 14 that the federal government will focus on six key pillars to make Canada an innovation nation: promoting an entrepreneurial and creative society, supporting global science excellence, building world-leading clusters and partnerships, growing companies and accelerating clean growth, competing in a digital world, and improving ease of doing business.

AMC's mission is to support the growth and development of the agricultural equipment manufacturing industry in Canada which aligns with the government's priorities on innovation.

"Canadian agriculture equipment manufacturers are global leaders. Some of the best farm equipment is produced here in Canada," Olson says. "Our entrepreneurial members are vital to the Canadian economy, generating $1.8 billion of exports to 154 countries, including Ukraine. Innovation happens every day because our members are in communities across the country, talking directly to farmers and responding to their needs."

Innovation in the agriculture manufacturing sector is crucial if we want to address global issues such as overpopulation, limited resources and food production. The agriculture industry will need to produce more with less and Canadian farmers are at the forefront of meeting this challenge. AMC's members continuously develop innovative technologies and manufacture products that enable farmers to be the best-placed to deal with these complex issues.

"Our industry is unique not only that it's developed in Canada, but because it has impacts across the world. Our products are helping to feed the world and our environmental footprint is better today than 30 years ago because of the equipment being used to reduce fertilizer redundancy and improve soil conservation. Our members also lead the world on intellectual property on agricultural products," Olson says.

AMC commends the federal government's leadership on driving the innovation agenda in Canada. We stand ready and look forward to working with the innovation experts the federal government has identified to lead the consultations being held over the coming months and to discuss issues such as trade and programs that allow our sector to succeed.

ABOUT AMC
The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC) is a national, member-driven organization dedicated to sustaining a strong, viable and highly respected Canadian agricultural manufacturing industry. With nearly 300 members, our mission is to "foster and promote the growth and development of the agricultural equipment manufacturing industry in Canada."

For further information: Leah Olson, President, AMC, 306-522-2710, extension 225, www.a-m-c.ca