Environment & Climate
EU moves to allow agricultural drone spraying amid criticism over pesticide rules
The proposed legislative package aims to permit drone pesticide application and reduce bureaucracy, but researchers warn it could increase chemical reliance.
The short version
- The European Union's proposed Omnibus X legislative package aims to lift a long-standing ban on aerial pesticide spraying to permit targeted application using drones.
- Proponents argue drones offer precise application on difficult terrain, but researchers caution the ease of drone use could lead to more frequent chemical treatments.
- The proposal also seeks to reduce administrative steps by granting indefinite approvals for active substances and extending transition periods for expired chemicals.
- Scientists from 27 European research institutions warn that scaling back regular pesticide safety reassessments could pose risks to human health and the environment.
Key facts
- The European Council gave approval in May to the Omnibus X legislative package, which aims to lift a decades-old EU ban on aerial pesticide spraying to permit drone use.[Deutsche Welle]
- The European Union has set a goal to halve the use of chemical plant protection products by 2030.[Deutsche Welle]
- Under the active EU regulatory system introduced in 2011, active pesticide substances are typically evaluated for 10-year periods, a process that has resulted in 59 active substances not receiving reapproval.[Deutsche Welle]
- Omnibus X proposes allowing indefinite approvals for active chemical substances and extending the post-expiration transition period from 18 months to three years.[Deutsche Welle]
- Agricultural economist Thomas Daum stated that while drones allow for more targeted treatment and access to wet terrain, lower application barriers could result in more frequent overall pesticide spraying.[Deutsche Welle]
- Researchers from 27 European research institutions, including lead author Carsten Brühl, criticized Omnibus X for scaling back safety reviews and urged focus on integrated pest management.[Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether precision drone application will lead to a net reduction in overall pesticide consumption or increase total chemical usage.[Deutsche Welle]
- The long-term environmental behavior and interactive effects of active pesticide substances outside laboratory settings remain incompletely understood at the time of initial approval.[Deutsche Welle]