Known in recent years mainly for their use in military operations and for airspace violations in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, drones could take on an entirely different role in the European Union: helping farmers combat pests and plant diseases.
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Politico reports that the European Commission is assessing the possibility of lifting a long-standing ban restricting the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to spray pesticides. The initiative is part of a broader review of EU legislation on plant protection products.
This is considered one of the less controversial parts of the reform, as several member states have for years called for more flexible rules on the use of drones in agriculture.
Drones move from military use to agricultural service
Since the 2010s, the use of drones in agriculture has grown significantly. Today, the technology is used to monitor crops, identify pests and moisture-related problems, and precisely distribute fertilizers and pesticides.
However, current rules do not allow European farmers to use these devices widely for spraying.
“Europe has the talent and technology to lead in digital agriculture. Now we need to make sure that farmers benefit from it,” European Commissioner for Agriculture Christoph Hansen wrote on the Bluesky platform.
Why their use remains restricted
Spraying with drones is not governed solely by aviation regulations. It is also covered by the 2009 European Directive regulating the sustainable use of pesticides.
Because of concerns about the uncontrolled spread of chemicals, environmental pollution and human exposure to pesticides, the directive places restrictions on aerial spraying.
However, the provisions were drafted before modern agricultural drone technology became widespread.
Under current conditions, national authorities may permit aerial spraying only in exceptional circumstances, when using conventional equipment presents difficulties or risks.
Such cases include terraced vineyards in Portugal, orchards in South Tyrol and flooded areas where tractors cannot operate, while using sprayers carried by workers creates a greater risk.
According to supporters of the technology, drones could significantly reduce the volume of pesticides used.
By precisely identifying areas affected by pests or diseases, they can apply products only where intervention is needed. This could reduce both farmers’ costs and the impact of chemical substances on the environment.
The crop-protection industry organization CropLife also argues that drones run primarily on batteries and, for this reason, may produce fewer emissions than traditional agricultural machinery.
Commission still highlights uncertainties
Although it recognizes the technology’s potential, the European Commission acknowledges that there are still “significant knowledge gaps.”
Among the key questions requiring answers are how far wind can carry pesticides and which types of drones can apply these substances with the greatest safety and precision.
According to the Commission, the current restrictions have also hindered the collection of the data needed for a full assessment of the technology.
Meanwhile, the industry describes drones as one of the technologies most constrained by the existing legal framework, despite their potential to make pesticide use more sustainable.
EU aims to develop “digital agriculture”
The European Commission aims to make drones part of a broader strategy for digital agriculture, which is expected to be adopted by the end of the year.
The objective is for Europe to lead the development of precision agriculture, using artificial intelligence, satellites and drones to increase productivity and use resources more efficiently.
“Artificial intelligence, satellites, drones and precision agriculture can increase productivity, use resources more efficiently and reduce bureaucracy,” Hansen said.
Calls to change the rules began long ago. In December 2024, a group of 15 member states, including the Czech Republic, asked the Commission to prepare a new proposal on the use of drones in agriculture.
Interest among farmers has also increased, particularly as a result of pressure to reduce pesticide use.
“Drones are tools that can help reduce the amount of products applied, limit the impact on non-target organisms and, at the same time, keep agricultural production competitive,” said Vojislav Bilí, a spokesperson for the Czech Ministry of Agriculture.
However, the initiative has also faced opposition. Environmental organizations are calling for any changes to be undertaken more cautiously until clearer scientific evidence is secured regarding the safety of drone spraying.
These groups also raise concerns about potential privacy risks and warn that the high cost of the technology could widen the gap between large farms and small producers.
The Commission’s proposal envisages giving member states more leeway to authorize drone spraying, provided that an assessment shows the technology does not pose a greater risk than traditional ground-application methods.
Nevertheless, this change is part of a broader package of reforms. Final approval will require a compromise among the member states on the other issues that remain more controversial.
