The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) today endorsed the Roll-Over Prevention and Safety Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Josh Riley (D-NY) which would expand access to rollover protection systems (ROPS) for older agricultural equipment – an essential step toward preventing the leading causes of U.S. farm fatalities.
Tractor overturns cause 96 deaths each year, despite being almost entirely preventable with proven safety technology. The newly introduced legislation would create a cost-share grant program through the USDA to help farmers retrofit older tractors with rollover protection systems, improving safety while ensuring operations can continue without disruption. By establishing the National ROPS Rebate Program, the purchasing cost, transportation, and installation of tractor rollbars would be covered up to 70%, leaving farmers with an out-of-pocket cap of just $500.
“Tractor rollovers are the leading cause of on-farm deaths, but they are entirely preventable,” said Kip Eideberg, Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). “Farmers who rely on older equipment should not have to choose between keeping their family safe and keeping their operations running. This legislation is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that will save lives, strengthen rural communities, and ensure that every farmer has access to the safety technology they deserve. Equipment manufacturers are proud to support this effort to make our farms safer and our agricultural workforce more secure.”
AEM has long supported policies that advance farm safety, protect rural livelihoods, and promote practical solutions for America’s agricultural workforce. By reducing the cost barriers associated with installing rollover protection systems, the legislation would help more farmers adopt life-saving technology and reduce preventable injuries and fatalities in rural communities.
AEM looks forward to working with lawmakers, agricultural stakeholders, and safety advocates to advance this bipartisan legislation and reinforce a shared commitment to protecting America’s farmers and agricultural workers.
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