In a bold move to counter proposed legislation that threatens to ban drones manufactured by Chinese companies, a coalition of agricultural spray drone distributors has come together to form a grassroots industry group. This coalition, comprising Agri Spray Drones, Bestway Ag, Drone Nerds, HSE-UAV, Pegasus Robotics, and Rantizo, aims to represent, protect, and advocate for the interests of the agricultural industry in the use of spray drone technology.
The legislative proposals, such as H.R. 2864 which passed in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), seek to ban Chinese-manufactured drones due to security concerns. However, these proposals overlook alternative methods to address these concerns without causing significant disruption to the agricultural sector.
Spray drones have become an essential component of modern agricultural technology for several reasons. First, they offer a valuable alternative for aerial applications, especially in an industry grappling with a shortage of plane and helicopter pilots. According to survey data collected by coalition members, in 2023 alone, drones sprayed 3.7 million acres across 41 states and over 50 types of crops, generating $78.5 million in rural communities.
Additionally, spray drones create new job opportunities in rural areas, as highlighted by Agri Spray Drones CEO Taylor Moreland. For a reasonable investment, individuals can purchase a spray drone, establish a custom application business, and generate revenue that not only supports their families but also bolsters the local economy.
Moreover, spray drone technology supports sustainable agriculture by enabling precision farming techniques. By delivering crop protection products precisely when and where they are needed, farmers can more efficiently control weed, pest, and disease pressures, reducing crop input usage and increasing yield opportunities.
The coalition is also addressing security concerns by advocating for the creation of cybersecurity standards and appropriate regulations to protect vital data across all drones, regardless of their country of origin. This balanced approach aims to address security issues while preserving the technological advancements and economic benefits that spray drones provide to the agricultural sector. As Bryan Sanders, President of HSE-UAV, points out, there has been no factual evidence suggesting that data collected by agricultural drones is being provided to the Chinese government. Companies like DJI have even implemented geofence flight restrictions for restricted airspace, demonstrating a commitment to security.
Furthermore, spray drones are not used for surveying or mapping like imagery drones and do not store any data about what product is being applied. The economic risks associated with the proposed ban are significant, as highlighted by the USDA’s report that in 2022, the U.S. exported $36.4 billion in agricultural goods to China, far exceeding what it imported.
Recognizing the need for a unified voice amidst a growing legislative backlog, this diverse group of companies, typically competitors, has reached a unanimous decision to formalize an industry group. Once established, this group will advocate on behalf of U.S. farmers and applicators for continued access to industry-leading spray drone technology. For Mariah Scott, CEO of Rantizo, success means ensuring that U.S. farmers have access to ag tech solutions that allow them to remain competitive on a global scale.
