US farmers fight proposed drone ban

Jun 20, 2024

Chinese drone maker targeted, Ag industry fears disruption

By Farms.com

A proposed US law targeting Chinese drone maker DJI has sparked controversy in the agricultural sector. The Countering CCP Drones Act aims to restrict the use of DJI drones, which dominate the agricultural spraying market.

Farmers heavily rely on drone spraying for its efficiency, precision, and ability to access difficult terrains. A ban on DJI drones could significantly disrupt agricultural practices and raise production costs.

Opponents of the bill argue that readily available public data makes the information drones collect irrelevant for espionage. They emphasize the lack of viable US alternatives in terms of affordability and performance.

DJI maintains their drones adhere to security standards and offer local data mode for offline operation. They argue the legislation is based on unfounded security concerns and limits farmer access to vital technology.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) may include the drone ban, raising concerns as it bypasses regular scrutiny. The agricultural industry is lobbying lawmakers to carve out an exemption for agricultural uses of drones.

The outcome of the legislation will determine the future of drone technology in US agriculture. Farmers urge lawmakers to consider the potential negative impact on rural communities and their ability to compete globally.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.