US-China drone row latest: new coalition forms to oppose ban

Back in April AgTechNavigator​ was first to expose concerns from US companies including Hylio and Guardian Ag who said drones typically made by DJI Technologies, the largest Chinese drone maker, pose potential threats to US agriculture for a host of reasons​.

Among the allegations were claims that these drones could collect and transmit sensitive agricultural data back to China, which could use this information for economic advantage.

Some US officials and drone manufacturers also claim that these drones could be reprogrammed through over-the-air software updates, potentially allowing them to be controlled by foreign actors.

There are concerns that the drones could be remotely disabled or manipulated, potentially disrupting US food production.

Given Chinese drones reportedly account for up to 99% of drones used in US agriculture, critics also argue that Chinese-made drones are entering the US market with little regulation or tracking, unlike US-made drones which face stricter export controls.

These claims are disputed by Chinese drone manufacturers. Meanwhile, some US-based distributors of Chinese drones have argued that much of the information collected by these drones is already publicly available through other sources, and that the security concerns are overblown.

Since April, US lawmakers have announced proposals, like H.R 2864 which passed in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act​, seeking to ban drones manufactured by DJI due to security concerns.

Now, ag drone distributors in the US have formed a coalition to fight any moves to block Chinese drones in US market.

This group, consisting of Agri Spray Drones, Bestway Ag, Drone Nerds, HSE-UAV, Pegasus Robotics, and Rantizo says intends to represent, protect, and advocate for the interests of the agricultural industry in the use of spray drone technology.

The coalition said the recent legislative proposals currently being presented and discussed in the US “fail to consider other methods to address security concerns while also avoiding the significant impact such bans would have on the agricultural industry”.

The​ v​ital ​r​ole of ​s​pray ​d​rones in ​a​griculture​

According to the group, spray drones are an indispensable part of modern agricultural technology for several reasons:

1. Optionality in Aerial Application:

In an industry facing increasing demand for aerial applications combined with a shortage of available plane and helicopter pilots, drones provide a natural and efficient solution, the group said. According to survey data collected by coalition members, in 2023 alone, 3.7 million acres were sprayed by drones across 41 states and over 50 types of crops, generating $78.5 million in rural communities.

2. Job Creation in Rural America:

According to Agri Spray Drones CEO Taylor Moreland, “Spray drones create new job opportunities in rural areas where they previously did not exist.” For a reasonable investment, the group said, individuals can purchase a spray drone, start a custom application business, and start creating revenue that not only supports their families but also contributes to their local economy.

3. Support for Sustainable Agriculture:

Agricultural spray drone technology provides farmers with additional options for employing precision farming techniques in their operations, helping farmers to reduce crop input usage and increase yield opportunities, the group said. By delivering crop protection products precisely when and where they are needed, farmers can more efficiently control weed, pest, and disease pressures.

Addressing security concerns

The industry group says it supports efforts to create cybersecurity standards and appropriate regulations to protect vital data across all drones, regardless of country of origin. By advocating for these measures, the coalition aims to address security concerns while still preserving the technological advancements and economic benefits that spray drones provide to the agricultural sector. This “balanced approach”, the coalition argues, enables continued innovation and operational efficiency, ensuring that American farmers can maintain their competitive edge globally.

HSE-UAV president Bryan Sanders said: “There has been no factual evidence suggesting that data collected by agricultural drones is being provided to the Chinese government. On the contrary, companies like DJI have proactively (and voluntarily) implemented geofence flight restrictions for restricted airspace, demonstrating a commitment to security, not espionage.”

Furthermore, the group claims that spray drones are not used for surveying or mapping like imagery drones, and do not store any data about what product is being applied. In addition, the economic risks associated with this proposed ban could be significant. According to the USDA, in 2022, the US exported $36.4 billion in agricultural goods to China, far exceeding what it imported.

Once formally established, this industry group will seek to advocate on behalf of US farmers and applicators for continued use of and access to industry-leading spray drone technology. 

Rantizo CEO Mariah Scott said: “Success is ensuring that US farmers have access to agtech solutions that allow them to remain competitive on a global scale.”