LANSING, Mich., Feb. 19, 2025 — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined four other states’ attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last week in a lawsuit against Deere & Company for allegedly monopolizing vital agricultural equipment. This behavior forces farmers to pay higher prices and restricts independent repair providers from repairing Deere equipment. State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.), who sponsored Right-to-Repair legislation last term to help farmers access the parts, documentation and software needed to repair their own farming equipment when it breaks down without having to solely rely on a manufacturer, commended Attorney General Nessel for prioritizing lowering equipment costs for farmers.
“This monopoly has long dipped into farmers’ bank accounts, making it harder for farming families in our Southeast Michigan rural community to make ends meet,” Miller said. “I am glad to see our state take action against this issue. Our farmers drive Michigan’s agricultural industry — I will not stand for corporations that try to take advantage of them and their work. I hope to see this unjust monopoly come to an end as soon as possible and for justice to be served.”
The lawsuit alleges that Deere is in violation of the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act by creating a monopoly and seeks immediate action to end this unfair practice. Miller’s Right-to-Repair legislation that would save farmers further time and money when their equipment needs service passed out of committee last term, but did not go up for a vote. Miller plans to reintroduce the legislation this term.
“For our rural farmers, the ability to fix and repair tractors and other farm equipment can mean all the difference — a delay of just one day can make or break a season,” Miller continued. “I will keep working across the aisle to get this bill over the finish line, and to keep advocating for farmers’ rights in our state.
Along with the FTC, Michigan joins Arizona, Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin in this lawsuit.
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