Spray drones are not currently permitted for field crop applications of pesticides in Canada.

May 22, 2025
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Pesticide spray drones not permitted for Canadian field crop use

Keep it Clean reminds farmers that as impressive as they may be, spray drones are not currently permitted for field crop applications of pesticides in Canada.

According to Health Canada, pesticide products must undergo a complete evaluation before they are approved for drone application. This includes a detailed risk and value assessment. Until product labels are updated to allow drone use on field crops, spray drones are not recognized as a legal or acceptable application method in Canada.

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 also reminds all growers, applicators, and crop advisers to follow the pesticide label carefully during application. The product label is the law, and each section plays an important role:

Rate: Apply the correct amount of product as directed on the label.

Timing: Use crop protection products only at the specific crop stage mentioned.

Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): Respect the time needed between spraying and harvesting, including swathing or straight-cutting.

Off-label or improper pesticide use is not only illegal—it can also leave residue on crops that fail to meet food safety standards. This puts your harvest, profit, and Canada’s export markets at risk.

Your on-farm decisions play a key role in keeping markets open. Always follow the label to protect your investment and help maintain Canada’s reputation as a trusted supplier of canola, cereals, and pulses.

Photo credit: Pexels - JESHOOTS.com

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