Does The Agricultural Industry Have A Right To Repair?

It’s true that some of the world’s leading manufacturers have taken agricultural technology to amazing new heights. Vehicles are stronger, tougher and more fuel-efficient than ever, whilst production equipment is safer and faster; giving farmers the resources to yield higher-quality results.

But it’s not all sunshine and roses in agriculture. When this equipment breaks down, farmers face difficulties. Instead of being able to swap a faulty part for another, agricultural workers are being forced to upgrade and purchase new software to keep things running. Unsurprisingly, this isn’t sitting well with farmers, who feel they are needlessly being put out of pocket.

Are manufacturers destined to reign supreme?

For a long time, manufacturers have prevented anyone in the agricultural sector from fixing their own equipment.

This has been crushing the independent repair industry; farmers contacting the vehicle manufacturers when their tractors broke down were simply told they needed an upgrade to get their operations going again.

These farmers couldn’t even purchase the part and fix it themselves – as they lacked access to the software that enabled these tractors to function.

The Right To Repair movement is aiming to change this.

What is The Right To Repair movement?

Right To Repair is a movement that supports the individual’s right to fix anything they own themselves – without being forced to contend with obstructions put up by manufacturers.

Led by an American coalition of organisations from various sectors known as The Repair Association, the ideology of the movement has spread across the states and over into Britain. It’s a belief system that embraces the idea that if you’ve purchased a product, you should be entitled to tinker with it.

The movement earned international recognition following the outrage that erupted when Apple admitted they’d deliberately slowed down old models of the iPhone. But whilst the communications sector often sits at the crux of the argument on repair rights, it is the farming industry that’s leading the movement into battle.

What is the impact of the Right To Repair movement?

The Right To Repair movement is taking shape across the world – and it’s turning heads. Even corporate giants like Apple and Microsoft are attending agricultural meetings as they try to prevent this proposed legislation from becoming law.

The good news is we’re already seeing some positive signs. In Massachusetts, USA, as many as 86% of voters triumphed in their conflict with big car companies, passing the Automobile Owners’ Right To Repair Law in 2012.

Open source repair groups like The Restart Project are enjoying a growing membership base, whilst people are increasingly choosing “repair-friendly” companies – such as Dell and Patagonia – over others.

The Right To Repair movement is crucial to the financial wellbeing of farmers and indeed many others in the agricultural industry. By supporting the cause and joining the movement, you can help accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

How has this affected you?

Have you been affected by the grip of manufacturers? Have you been unable to repair equipment or vehicles yourself? Is your warranty void because you’ve attempted to replace a broken part rather than upgrade? Comment below and let us know.

We’re fully behind the Right To Repair movement here at BuyAnyPart. We have more than 500,000 parts listed within our online catalogue – many of which are sought-after components used widely in the agricultural industry. Even if you can’t see what you’re looking for, just speak to our team. They can point you in the right direction.

Get in touch on +44 7713 731 292 or [email protected] for more information.