EU wants drones to spray pesticides — but it could backfire

The European Union's Omnibus X legislative package aims to simplify food and feed safety rules while promoting the use of drones to spray pesticides more precisely. The idea behind the plan is to identify affected areas in fields and treat them selectively, potentially reducing the overall use of pesticides by 2030. However, the plan faces criticism from researchers who argue that it could lead to more frequent spraying and increased reliance on chemical pesticides.

Thomas Daum, an agricultural economist at the University of Gothenburg, believes that drones can spray more precisely compared to traditional methods like tractors and airplanes. However, he warns that drones do not inherently reduce pesticide use. Another concern is that the flexibility granted by the legislation may lead to more frequent applications, potentially reinforcing dependence on chemical crop protection.

Carsten Brühl, a biologist at the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the Rheinland-Pfalz Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, has criticized the package as a "deregulation package." He is concerned that the lack of regular reassessments for pesticide active substances could lead to harmful substances remaining on the market for longer periods. Brühl argues that the precautionary principle should be applied, preventing potential harm to people and the environment even without conclusive scientific evidence.

Despite these concerns, the EU has approved Omnibus X, emphasizing the importance of integrating new technologies while maintaining fair competition within the internal market. Researchers argue that integrated pest management, which involves using a combination of methods to manage pests, could be a more sustainable approach to reducing pesticide use.