Amendment to Copyright Act to give farmers access to machinery software

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) reiterates its steadfast support for Saskatchewan farmers’ right-to-repair their equipment.

According to APAS, competition is essential in agriculture input markets, there is limited competition, however, for repairs. Farmers own equipment but lack the tools to make rapid repairs when systems are protected behind copyright.

“Most equipment manufacturers build in software protections that restrict a farmer’s ability to perform basic diagnostics, maintenance or repair of their own equipment,” noted Ian Boxall, APAS president. “APAS members believe that when you own the equipment, you also should have the right to repair it in a manner that makes sense for your farm.”