'Cutting edge' drones keep British farming competitive, but farmers want stricter controls

The use of drones both commercially and for recreation is growing fast
The use of drones both commercially and for recreation is growing fast

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has issued a call for farmer feedback after the government announced a consultation on the safe use of drones in the UK, with many agreeing stricter controls need to be in place.

As drone use on farm is multi-dimensional and can improve production efficiency for farm businesses, farmers and landowners have been 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.

Proposed measures being consulted on include mandatory registration of new drones over 250g, a theory test for users, increased penalties for misuse of the technology and potential new criminal offences to deter and address misbehaviour.

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said: “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. 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.

“In any instance, we would stress to drone owners the importance of not flying near livestock, who react in very unpredictable ways. There is risk of causing distress to the animals, sometimes fatal, and it can lead to trampling. These actions impact greatly on farm businesses and we urge that care is taken when flying 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.”

'Tremendously exciting, but need regulations'

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.

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.