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Planting and harvesting are times when farmers need repairs made quickly. (Adobe Stock photo) |
Over the past two decades, American farmers have invested in advanced-technology farm machinery that has increased their "reliance on high-tech machinery such as GPS-guided combines and tractors," reports P.J. Huffstutter of Reuters.
The suit is part of the outgoing Biden administration's efforts to address "anti-competitive practices in agriculture, ranging from improving the treatment of chicken farmers . . . to increasing competition in the seed sector," Douglas and Stempel explain. "It has also targeted the right-to-repair issue, which cuts across various industries, including smartphones and computers."
Particularly when farmers are planting or harvesting in seasonal windows, waiting for a Deere technician to repair equipment can result in steep financial losses. Reuters reports, "FTC Chair Lina Khan said, 'Illegal repair restrictions can be devastating for farmers, who rely on affordable and timely repairs to harvest their crops and earn their income.'"
"Currently, Deere farm equipment software is solely owned by the company and repairs can only be made through its dealer network," Douglas and Stempel add. The FTC said in a statement, that Deere's repair process has ensured the company "has maintained a 100% market share, allowing it to hike prices."
Given the complaint, it appears last year's signed memorandum of understanding between the American Farm Bureau Federation and Deere & Co. did not live up to its expectations. Reuters reports, "The company said it was expanding self-repair options for farmers in a pilot program."
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