Use of drones in agriculture receives official recognition in Espírito Santo

In a virtual regular session, deputies approved a bill that recognizes unmanned agricultural aviation (drones) as being of social, public and economic interest in Espírito Santo. Signed by Mazinho dos Anjos, from the PSDB, the measure passed through the Agriculture, Science and Technology, Finance, and Justice committees with an amendment. 

The amendment was made by the author himself and changes the original text, which also recognized the importance of manned agricultural aviation – a section removed from the bill. The amendment presented by the House Attorney General's Office was rejected. It suggested the elimination of paragraph 4, considered unconstitutional because it had the “nature of an authorizing command”. 

The paragraph in question states that the public administration may enter into partnerships with various entities (professional representations, associations and the third sector), from within or outside Brazil, linked to the sector, to develop actions focused on research and innovation in the area. 

After approval by parliamentarians, which received the only opposing vote from Camila Valadão, from Psol, the Plenary voted on the final wording with Mazinho's amendment. 

The project

Bill 902/2023 points to the use of drones in the application of fertilizers and agricultural pesticides, in sowing, in populating rivers and lakes with fish, in fighting fires, among others. 

Author of the article, Mazinho recalls that agricultural aviation has been practiced in the country for over 70 years – and that it needs to be regulated. “The technology has proven to be essential for several crops in the state of Espírito Santo. It is no coincidence that the defense of aerial tools is one of the premises. The relevance of this activity to guarantee food supply and security is indisputable,” he concluded.