“Grey market” machines and implements may be defined as equipment that is manufactured for use in market destinations outside of North America. This equipment may find its way back to North America as used or lightly used equipment that is sold online, through auctions, or by private equipment dealers. 

While not illegal, it is critical that potential buyers understand warranty, service, and repair parts are not available for grey market machines through local equipment dealerships. Even though the imported equipment may be a well-known brand line, grey market machines are not the same as the equipment sold by licensed Alberta dealers. The grey market units are manufactured and designed for use outside of Canada and the United States. Alberta dealers and distributors cannot provide warranty, service, or repair parts as software programs (and sometimes engines) are different and service data is not available. What you save on the purchase price may cost you more when you are unable to find parts or repair your equipment.

Alberta dealers may assist potential buyers prior to a purchase of a grey market machine by checking the serial number of the equipment a potential purchaser is interested in. The local dealer should be able to tell the potential buyer whether the unit is in the North American system. The local dealer would also be able to inform the potential purchaser whether service and repairs would be available through the dealership.

Remember that in Alberta, the Farm Implement and Dealership Act provides protection for producers who buy new equipment through a licensed dealer so implements bought online, at auction, or out of province are not covered.

Buyer beware and make an informed purchasing decision!

Have you been approached about leasing your land to a wind or solar energy developer? Want to learn more about negotiating renewable energy leases? The Alberta Farmers’ Advocate Office (FAO) has a guide that can help.

The Renewable Energy in Alberta Guide is available online or by calling the Ag Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276). For questions or more information on renewable energy development, contact Alberta Ag Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276) or visit their Alberta Ag Info Centre website.

• Farmers’ Advocate Office: Energy, utilities and surface rights | Alberta.ca
• GUIDE: Renewable Energy in Alberta (gov.ab.ca)

Negotiating Renewable Energy Leases was first released in February 2017 in response to requests from Albertan landowners for additional resources to aid in the negotiation of wind and solar leases. This publication collects the relevant information from the different regulators, departments, and agencies within the province to help landowners ask informed questions and evaluate the opportunity of having a power plant on their land or within their community. As an advocate, the FAO does not create policy, but will provide comment on existing laws and policies and work as a liaison between landowners, industry, government, and regulators.

All activities that may alter the flow or cause siltation of water require authorization from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas prior to commencing. This includes activities such as ditching, infilling, stripping/scraping, tilling, or draining. This fact sheet provides essential information about Alberta's Water Act and rural landowner responsibilities. 

If you suspect your well was damaged by energy activities you can apply for reimbursement of associated costs. Click here for details.