Detroit Evening Report: Michigan farmers call on state lawmakers to pass ‘right to repair’ bill
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Michigan farmers are urging the state Legislature to pass a bill that would allow them to fix their own equipment instead of being forced to go to the manufacturer.
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House Bill 4673, or the Agricultural Equipment Repair Act, would require farming equipment manufacturers to offer tools, parts and manuals to farmers and ranchers so that they can service their own equipment.
The Michigan Farmers Union states that going to authorized repair centers is a costly and time-consuming endeavor.
“As a fourth-generation family farmer, I’ve seen up close how wealthy corporations unfairly raise prices on products and equipment I need to grow food,” Bob Thompson, president of the farmers union, said in a statement. “The state legislature has an enormous opportunity with HB 4673 to deliver for independent farmers, ranchers, and rural farming communities, saving us time and our hard-earned money.”
Farmers being able to fix their own equipment has landed significant bipartisan support.
A poll released by Progress Michigan in April states that 81% of Michigan voters support the right to repair bill.
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