Farm Action welcomed today’s proposed settlement between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), five state attorneys general, and John Deere that would require the company to provide farmers and independent repair shops with access to many of the same repair tools and resources available to authorized dealers. If approved by the court, the agreement would mark a major step toward restoring farmers’ right to repair their own equipment.
Farm Action has long fought to end restrictions that force farmers to rely on Deere-authorized dealerships for many equipment repairs. In 2022, Farm Action, alongside other farm organizations, filed a complaint against Deere, which helped spur the FTC’s investigation and subsequent antitrust lawsuit.
For years, Deere’s repair restrictions have contributed to costly delays during planting and harvest and limited opportunities for independent repair shops, reducing competition in rural communities. By expanding access to repair tools and information, the proposed settlement could give farmers greater control over when, where, and how their equipment is repaired.
Under the proposed settlement, Deere will be required to provide current and future repair resources as they become available to authorized dealers, with the agreement remaining in effect for 10 years.
“After years of fighting for the right to repair, this order gives farmers real hope. But promises on paper must become tools in farmers’ hands, and we will be watching implementation every step of the way,” said Willie Cade, a Farm Action Local Leader and Right to Repair advocate.
Farm Action will continue monitoring Deere’s compliance to ensure farmers and independent repair providers receive the repair access promised under the agreement and that the settlement delivers meaningful change for America’s farmers.
Media Contact: Emma Nicolas, [email protected], 202-450-0094
