ASA Urges Balance on Agricultural Drone Policy
USAgNet - 01/02/2026
The American Soybean Association is closely monitoring recent federal actions related to restrictions on certain foreign-manufactured drones used in U.S. agriculture and the potential impacts on farmers. Precision agriculture tools, including drones, are essential
for today's farmers to manage costs, monitor crops, and operate efficiently. Foreign-manufactured drones represent a significant majority of the agricultural drone market, and sudden restrictions on their use without available domestically manufactured
alternatives risk adding new financial and operational burdens for farmers already facing tight margins and market uncertainty.
"Soybean farmers depend on modern technology to stay competitive, efficient, and sustainable," said Scott Metzger, president of ASA and Ohio farmer. "While we recognize the importance of addressing national security concerns, it's critical that policymakers
fully consider the real-world impacts these decisions can have on farmers who rely on these tools every day. Taking proven technology out of farmers' toolboxes without workable alternatives only adds cost and uncertainty at a time when farmers can least afford it."
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