PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Tuesday that she is joining the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other state attorneys general in a lawsuit against Deere & Company (John Deere) for monopolizing the agricultural equipment repair market and engaging in unfair business practices.
Mayes: Farmers Should Not Be Forced Into Costly Repairs
“Arizona farmers deserve the right to repair their own equipment without being held hostage by a corporate monopoly,” said Attorney General Mayes. “John Deere’s unlawful restrictions not only drive up costs but also create unnecessary delays that hurt Arizona’s farmers. My office is committed to fighting against practices that stifle competition and hurt farmers.”
The lawsuit alleges that John Deere restricts independent repair providers (IRPs) and farmers from fixing their own equipment, instead forcing them to rely on Deere’s authorized dealers for essential repairs.
How Deere’s Practices Hurt Farmers
John Deere’s modern farm equipment requires specialized software to diagnose and repair electronic issues. The company controls access to this software, limiting it to authorized dealers. The lawsuit claims that this:
- Prevents farmers from performing basic repairs themselves
- Blocks independent repair shops from offering lower-cost repairs
- Drives up repair costs and creates unnecessary delays during critical farming seasons
Legal Violations and Goals of the Lawsuit
Attorney General Mayes argues that John Deere’s actions violate the Arizona Uniform State Antitrust Act (A.R.S. § 44-1403), as well as federal antitrust laws.
The lawsuit seeks to:
- End Deere’s unlawful restrictions on repairs
- Allow independent repair providers and farmers access to necessary software tools
- Restore competition in the agricultural repair market
Coalition Against Deere’s Repair Monopoly
Arizona joins the FTC, Illinois, and Minnesota, which originally filed the lawsuit against Deere last month. Michigan and Wisconsin have also joined the case.
The lawsuit marks a significant step in the nationwide movement for “Right to Repair” laws, aiming to give consumers fair access to repair tools and information.
