Rheinland-Pfalz to ban helicopter pesticide spraying in Mosel-Apollo habitats

The German state of Rheinland-Pfalz has announced it will stop issuing exceptional permits for pesticide spraying via helicopter in the habitats of the endangered Mosel-Apollo butterfly starting in 2027. This decision follows a three-year legal battle led by the environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) and the butterfly association Melanargia e. V.

To maintain viticulture in these steep vineyard regions, winemakers are expected to transition to using spraying drones. According to the Ministry of Viticulture, drone technology allows for more precise application with minimal drift compared to helicopters. Maximilian Hendgen, managing director of the Mosel Winegrowers Association, noted that drones fly lower and slower, offering greater accuracy for vineyard management.