The ministry acknowledges drones give farmers additional flexibility
Health Canada is asking Canadians to weigh in on the topic of drone pesticide applications.
Canada does allow a small number of products to be applied via drone.
These include VectoBac 200G, a biological larvicide, and Garlon XRT, which controls woody plants and broadleaf weeds in non-crop areas.
Health Canada is looking to expand those opportunities.
This consultation is about “Health Canada’s plan to allow the use of (drones) to apply pest control products that are already registered for conventional aerial application,” the consultation document says.
Roundup WeatherMAX and Liberty are examples of products labeled for aerial applications in Canada.
Any future product approved for drone application would require proper label amendments.
And applicators would have to abide by all label requirements including spray volume, application rate, droplet size, spray buffer zones, and more.
Health Canada acknowledges the potential benefits of drone applications.
The ministry agrees drones “can give growers more flexibility for pest control product application while also providing distinct advantages over current conventional application methods,” the proposal says.
In addition, scientific data shows risks associated with drone applications are similar to those involved with aerial spraying.
Drone operators would be required to register their drone with Transport Canada and hold proper licenses.
Industry groups have reminded producers in the past to avoid unlawful drone pesticide applications.
“Using drones to apply pesticides on field crops could lead to regulatory violations. It is essential to follow current rules to avoid harmful residues on crops, which can block market access and damage Canada’s global trade reputation,” Keep it Clean said in May 2025.
The public has until March 25 to contact the Pest Management Regulatory Agency with its feedback.