Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing John Deere, the iconic tractor manufacturer, over farmers’ rights to repair their own machines. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Chicago, claims that Deere’s practices are anticompetitive and restrict access to essential parts.
Ellison argues that farmers are forced to rely on authorized dealers to fix broken-down tractors, which can lead to long wait times and high costs. He alleges that Deere has made it difficult for farmers to fully repair their equipment themselves or have independent repair shops do so.
The lawsuit is part of a larger trend in the “right-to-repair” campaign, which aims to give consumers more control over repairs and maintenance of their products. Colorado passed a similar law last year, requiring equipment manufacturers to allow owners or independent repair businesses to repair their machines.
Ellison’s office says that this lawsuit represents a critical step in creating a more competitive market for farm equipment that will benefit farmers and independent repair technicians. The Minnesota Farmers Union president, Gary Wertish, has also praised the move, calling it a “critical step” towards benefiting farmers and repair technicians.
Deere has responded to the lawsuit, saying that it is based on “fatally flawed legal theories.” However, the company’s actions have been under scrutiny in recent years, with many farmers and advocates criticizing its practices as restrictive and anti-competitive.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/ellison-sues-john-deere-says-farmers-arent-allowed-to-fix-own-tractor/601206305