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Biden order directs FTC to eliminate repair restrictions on farm equipment

President Biden’s sweeping executive order last week included directing the Federal Trade Commission to eliminate repair restrictions for consumer products and farm equipment.

Nathan Proctor helps run a national non-profit Right-to-Repair campaign and says while he’s not sure how the FTC will proceed, he is confident farmers will be given access to the tools they need.

“We’ll figure out how it happens. Either the manufacturers start kind of voluntarily releasing some of those materials, or the FTC makes a rule or a state passes a law. We’re not stopping any of our efforts.”

He tells Brownfield the FTC issued a landmark report on Right-to-Repair in May that suggests manufacturers’ arguments don’t have support from evidence.

“They weighed all the evidence and said these Right-to-Repair people are making this claim (and) have evidence to support their argument. Manufacturers say there’s some safety problems, security problems, (and) other issues. But then those claims are unsubstantiated.”

Ahead of President Biden’s executive order on Right-to-Repair, Association of Equipment Manufacturers state government relations director Stephanie See told Brownfield equipment manufacturers support a farmer’s right to repair his or her equipment.  She says the industry provides diagnostic guides, service manuals, and other tools and information for repairs and maintenance.  See says AEM is proud of the work the industry does to protect the planet and safeguard customers’ well-being, and will never compromise on safety and environmental protections.