Brazilian agribusiness groups launch brochure defending drone pesticide spraying
On 14 July in Brasília, agribusiness and pesticide‑industry organisations released a brochure titled “Drones de Pulverização – Segurança, Produtividade e Inclusão”. The publication aims to defend the use of remotely piloted drones for pesticide application, counter criticism, and provide technical, regulatory and scientific information. It argues that drones have become a strategic tool for precision agriculture, expanding access for both large estates and small family farms.
The brochure stresses that drone spraying is subject to strict oversight by Brazilian authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA), the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), the Airspace Control Department, Ibama and state agencies. It outlines required agronomic prescriptions, detailed operation records, mandatory operator training and digital traceability. Violations can lead to fines ranging from R$ 500 to R$ 10 million, equipment seizure, operation suspension or criminal liability. The document also refutes a March report by Germany’s Heinrich Böll Foundation that called for a ban on aerial drone spraying in Brazil, asserting that the report misrepresents the regulatory framework.