HARRISBURG, March 28, 2012 — The Senate passed legislation today that would lift restrictions on small community farm equipment dealers that want to carry and sell competitive products, while providing more options for sellers and consumers of farm products, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank.
Currently, the Pennsylvania Dealership Law regulates contracts between independent dealers and suppliers of agricultural equipment. Under Senate Bill 1169, independent agricultural equipment dealers and suppliers would be able to sell multiple product lines.
“This legislation will certainly help agriculture – Pennsylvania’s and Berks County’s number one industry – by allowing independent farm equipment sellers to better serve their rural customers and compete with big box chain stores. Additionally, it would provide farmers with more convenient access to parts and service so that they can do their job more efficiently and profitably,” said Schwank, the Democratic chairwoman of the Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee.
“Lifting certain restrictions of farm equipment sales helps the economy, the industry and all consumers of Pennsylvania agricultural products.”
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Pennsylvania State Grange support this legislation, Schwank said.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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