National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said on Apr. 9 that the proposed settlement between John Deere and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois highlights the need for federal right-to-repair laws.
The issue is important because it affects farmers' ability to repair their own equipment or use independent mechanics, which can impact productivity and economic stability in rural areas. "When critical equipment breaks down, farmers must be able to make timely repairs themselves or work with a trusted independent mechanic. This settlement underscores the urgent need for federal right-to-repair laws that permanently guarantee farmers access to repair tools on fair and reasonable terms. Truly durable solutions will help secure a stronger, more independent future for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities across the country," Larew said.
Larew also said, "Our work isn’t done, and we will continue pushing for a federal law that guarantees farmers the right to repair." The National Farmers Union (NFU) enhances community resilience by supporting initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and economic opportunities in rural regions, according to the official website.
NFU represents more than 220,000 family farmers and ranchers through its 24 state and regional divisions according to its official website. The organization advocates for family farmers through education and cooperative efforts designed to strengthen rural communities according to its official website.
NFU operates with a democratic grassroots structure where policies start at local levels before becoming national priorities according to its official website. Its influence extends nationwide through members in various states and regions according to its official website, including contributing toward developing national organic standards that promote sustainable farming methods according to its official website.
By promoting education, advocacy, cooperative initiatives, fair markets, conservation programs, and representing a broad network of members nationwide within this democratic structure starting locally according to its official website, NFU continues efforts related to policy issues like right-to-repair.
