The California Farm Bureau Federation (CFBF) and the Far West Equipment Dealers Association (FWEDA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on repair rights on Sept. 7.
The agreement read, in part: “To the extent not already available, the maintenance, diagnostic, and repair information listed below will be made available to end users through authorized agricultural dealers at fair and reasonable terms, beginning with tractors and combines put into service on or after Jan. 1, 2021. End users will also be able to purchase or lease diagnostic tools through authorized agricultural dealers. Certain information and tools may be available earlier.”
Among other commitments, involved dealers agreed to provide equipment manuals, service demonstrations and training, diagnostic tools and training on how to use them, and publications with information on service, parts, operation, and safety. The purpose of the agreement was “a reaffirmation of the importance of seeking commonsense solutions to meet farmers’ needs,” though it specifically addressed maintenance and repair rather than to modify.
“Reliable farm equipment is crucial to the success of any farming operation, and farmers have long depended on their ability to make repairs quickly in order to keep their equipment running during harvest and other key times,” CFBF President Jamie Johansson said in the group’s announcement of the MOU.
“This agreement gives farmers the information they need to do just that, even as equipment has become increasingly complex.”
