By: State Rep. Francisco Paulino, 2/25
Each planting season, Riverside Farm, part of Mann Orchards in Methuen, uses tractors and specialized equipment to maintain its apple orchards and fields. When an essential machine malfunctions, rapid repair is necessary. However, due to manufacturer-imposed restrictions, farmers in Massachusetts, including those at Riverside Farm, are unable to repair their own equipment. They must rely on authorized dealers, often waiting days or even weeks for service. These delays can lead to lost crops, increased expenses, and disruptions to farm operations.
This challenge extends beyond Riverside Farm to other farms in Methuen, including Pleasant Valley Farm and Raymond’s Turkey Farm, which also struggle with these restrictions. Pleasant Valley Farm, managed by the Bonanno family since 1910, produces vegetables and flowers for local consumers.
Raymond’s Turkey Farm, run by the Rischer family since 1950, supplies poultry to many families. These farms, along with others in the Merrimack Valley, contribute to the local economy but face repair restrictions that increase costs and threaten their sustainability.
Why This Bill Matters
Manufacturers of large agricultural equipment limit access to diagnostic tools, software, and repair parts, forcing farmers to depend on manufacturer-authorized services. This practice increases repair costs, causes delays, and affects the entire food supply chain.
For many small farms, these additional expenses cut into already narrow profit margins. When farmers struggle with high repair costs, those expenses are often passed on to consumers, raising food prices in local grocery stores.
A National Legal Battle; The Fight Against John Deere
Massachusetts is not alone in addressing this issue. In January 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and attorneys general from Illinois and Minnesota filed a lawsuit against John Deere, the nation’s largest manufacturer of agricultural equipment. The lawsuit asserts that John Deere’s repair restrictions violate antitrust laws by creating a repair monopoly that increases costs and limits competition.
John Deere has responded by claiming that restricting independent repairs is necessary to protect proprietary technology and ensure equipment safety. However, automotive right-to-repair laws have already demonstrated that independent repairs can be performed safely without jeopardizing vehicle integrity. Farmers should have the same rights as car owners and small business operators.
The resolution of this case will have significant nationwide implications, potentially strengthening Massachusetts’ efforts to enact state-level legislation that ensures farmers’ rights to repair their own equipment.
How HD397 Will Benefit Farmers and Consumers
If passed, An Act Relative to the Right to Repair for Agricultural Equipment would:
* Reduce repair costs by allowing farmers to use independent mechanics or fix their own equipment.
* Minimize downtime during critical planting and harvesting seasons.
* Support local repair businesses by expanding access to agricultural equipment servicing.
* Help lower food prices by cutting unnecessary costs in the farming supply chain.
This bill builds on Massachusetts’ successful automotive right-to-repair law, which ensures vehicle owners can access independent repair services. Farmers should have the same rights to maintain and repair their equipment, just as car owners do.
Supporting Massachusetts Farmers
Farming is already a demanding profession. Farmers should not be forced into expensive and unnecessary repair restrictions that disrupt their work.
This legislation is about economic fairness, consumer protection, and support for small businesses. Giving farms like Riverside Farm, Pleasant Valley Farm, and Raymond’s Turkey Farm affordable repair options will strengthen our local economy, help maintain fair food prices, and protect Massachusetts’ farming traditions.
Residents, business owners, and farmers in the Merrimack Valley, please support this initiative. Contact your local legislators to advocate for the passage of HD397 An Act Relative to the Right to Repair for Agricultural Equipment.
For more information about this landmark legislation or how you can help our farmers, please email Yaira.Ramos@mahouse.gov.
Massachusetts farmers deserve the tools to succeed—not just in their fields, but in the economy that sustains us all. ◊