To the editor:

Minnesota farmers are committed to protecting the land and environment that produces food for Americans. Innovations in agriculture, especially equipment, have contributed greatly to our farmers producing more crops on less land.

Not only does highly technical, modern farming equipment allow farmers to understand more about the soil and environmental conditions that they’re working in order to achieve increased yields, but modern machinery also helps keep our producers compliant with state and federal emissions and safety guidelines.

It’s innovative solutions like this that support an essential industry, but our lawmakers also play a role in this effort by passing smart agricultural policies that do not undermine the environmental and efficiency progress our farmers have made over the years. So-called “right to repair” legislation and policies could undo all of this progress.

Emission and safety guidelines were implemented for good reason, but if lawmakers pass this kind of legislation, it could allow third-party or unauthorized repair shops to bypass agricultural equipment settings that comply with the law.

Farmers and equipment owners already have the right to repair their equipment and they deserve to be able to continue to repair their machinery and equipment without risking efficiency, safety and durability.

Minnesota state lawmakers have been steadfast in supporting the agricultural community. Let’s hope this trend continues to protect the land we cultivate from environmental harm by passing legislation that helps farmers, not overly broad, so-called “right to repair” laws that could undo years of progress that have increased yields for many farmers throughout Minnesota.

Minnesota Rep. Joe Schomacker

Luverne