EU wants drones to spray pesticides — but it could backfire
The EU wants to lift a decades-old ban on spraying pesticides from the air, allowing drones to be used for greater precision. But experts warn the plan could lead to even more pesticides being used in agriculture.
The European Union's new Omnibus X legislative package aims to simplify food and feed safety rules and halve the use of chemicals for plant protection by 2030. One of the proposed changes is the use of drones to spray pesticides, which could potentially reduce pesticide use by allowing for more precise applications. However, experts caution that the drones themselves do not reduce pesticide use and could actually lead to more frequent spraying due to increased flexibility.
Agricultural economist Thomas Daum notes that drones can spray more precisely than traditional methods, but he also warns that the technology could result in a "technological lock-in," where more efficient application reinforces dependence on chemical crop protection. Environmental scientist Carsten Brühl is particularly concerned about the potential for many active substances to be approved indefinitely, eliminating regular reassessments.
He argues that the precautionary principle should apply, as the scientific evidence on pesticides is incomplete and risks are inferred from laboratory studies. Brühl fears Omnibus X could undermine scientific interest in studying these active substances and lead to the continued use of harmful pesticides.
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