Right to Repair

By Joy Jacob · Updated 2026-07-08 · 2 min read

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced a settlement with Deere & Company, a farm equipment manufacturer, to advance farmers' right to repair their own equipment. This settlement, as reported on the FTC website, is a significant step towards promoting competition and reducing costs for American farmers.

What is the Right to Repair?

The right to repair refers to the ability of consumers to repair and maintain their own products, rather than relying on the manufacturer or authorized dealers. This concept is important because it promotes competition, reduces costs, and increases consumer choice. In the case of Deere & Company, the manufacturer had previously restricted access to repair resources, including software capabilities, to only authorized dealers. This meant that farmers had to rely on these dealers for repairs, which could lead to service delays and higher costs.

For example, imagine a farmer who owns a John Deere tractor. If the tractor breaks down, the farmer may need to take it to an authorized John Deere dealer for repairs. However, with the right to repair, the farmer could potentially repair the tractor themselves, or take it to an independent repair provider. This increases competition and reduces costs, as the farmer is no longer limited to using the manufacturer's authorized dealers.

What this means for you

The settlement between the FTC and Deere & Company has significant implications for consumers. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Increased competition: By providing farmers and independent repair providers with the same repair resources as authorized dealers, the settlement promotes competition in the repair market. This can lead to lower prices and better service for consumers.
• Reduced costs: With the ability to repair their own equipment, farmers can avoid the costs associated with taking their equipment to an authorized dealer. This can be especially important for small farmers or those with limited budgets.
• Increased consumer choice: The settlement gives consumers more options for repairing their equipment. They can choose to repair it themselves, take it to an independent repair provider, or use an authorized dealer. This increased choice can lead to better outcomes for consumers.
• Improved access to information: The settlement requires Deere & Company to provide notice to the public about the availability of repair resources. This can help consumers make informed decisions about how to repair their equipment.

The settlement is a significant step towards promoting the right to repair, and it has implications that extend beyond the agricultural industry. Many people rely on manufacturers for repairs, and this can limit competition and increase costs. By promoting the right to repair, the FTC is working to create a more competitive and consumer-friendly market.