Iowa lawmakers are considering a “right to repair” bill that could give farmers more control over fixing their own equipment. Supporters say rising repair costs and limited access to diagnostic tools have put pressure on already tight farm budgets.
The issue was also discussed on a recent edition of the Iowa Business Report with host Jeff Stein. Jon Decker, the Executive Director of American Commitment, warns the proposal could have unintended consequences.
“Essentially everyone wants the latest, greatest stuff. Everybody wants to have the benefits of these efficiencies that are lowering costs for farmers and in all matters of innovation as well.”
Opponents argue expanded access could discourage investment in new technology and expose proprietary systems.
“Obviously the people that develop this software, want to recoup on that investment. But the second part of that equation too is once you invent something really great, once you have this great American innovation, you invent the next great tractor or soil sensor, drone, satellite, whatever the case may be that’s helping out on the farmland. You you don’t want some other country to be able to rip it off. And the problem with these right to repair bills is they actually open up that software to third parties, which then allows a place like China to copy it, steal it and sell it for cheaper.”
The bill, House File 2709, remains under consideration as debate continues over costs, innovation and farmers’ rights. You can listen to the full episode with Decker at totallyiowa.com.
