More protection from irresponsible drone use is needed, farming sector says

Drone use on farm is multi-dimensional and can improve production efficiency for farm businesses.. but they can have its drawbacks (Photo: Lima Pix, via Flickr)
Drone use on farm is multi-dimensional and can improve production efficiency for farm businesses.. but they can have its drawbacks (Photo: Lima Pix, via Flickr)

Farmers have called for more protection for themselves and their stock who are vulnerable to irresponsible use of drones, as the Department for Transport launches a consultation on proposed measures.

As drone use on farm is multi-dimensional and can improve production efficiency for farm businesses, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) will be responding to the consultation to emphasise that the professional and responsible agricultural use of drones must be protected to enable farms to continue to use them safely.

The NFU will also be addressing concerns over their misuse.

New measures being consulted on include mandatory registration of new drones over 250 grams, a theory test for users, increased penalties for misuse of drones and potential new criminal offences to deter and address misbehavior with drones.

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said: “Drone use on farm is multi-dimensional and we will communicate to Government the advantages this can have for farmers – from gathering data to recording images of their farm.

“There are exciting developments in the pipeline for on farm done use, such as crop applications, which could keep British farming at the cutting edge and internationally competitive.

“However, we are also very aware of instances of irresponsible use of drones by members of the public and have already seen the first instances of sheep worrying by drones. Therefore, we are calling for Government to address this and are hopeful that any new legislation will introduce measures to protect farmers and landowners from this behaviour.

Risk of causing distress to animals

The NFU has stressed to drone owners the importance of not flying near livestock, who react in very unpredictable ways.

Mr Smith continued: “There is risk of causing distress to the animals, sometimes fatal, and can lead to trampling. These actions impact greatly on farm businesses and we urge that care is taken when flying drones in areas of farmland, in particular.

“Any drone owner should be responsible with its use and ensure the safety of people, animals and land. We would stress to any owner that they are familiar with the rules so they fly this machinery within the law.”

The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, are also concerned that current regulations are not robust enough to ensure that privacy is maintained.

CLA President Ross Murray said: “The use of drones both commercially and for recreation is growing fast. The potential for a wide range of industries, not least agriculture, is tremendously exciting, but we do need regulation to keep pace.

“The growth in the availability of drones with high resolution cameras for leisure use, rather than industry, presents a significant risk to privacy and requires action. We need reassurance that drones being flown over private property or land are being done so legally, professionally and safely. We must also address the potential for damage to property and injury to livestock.”

The global commercial drone industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, with industries from agriculture to mining tapping into the real business benefits that drones can deliver.