A coalition of advocacy, legal, and photojournalism organizations is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to reject a proposal that would allow large livestock operations and slaughterhouses to restrict drone flights over their facilities. The groups say the proposed rule would let some farms obtain Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions, limiting aerial photography that has documented manure spills, disease outbreaks, livestock housing conditions, and other issues at large animal operations.
Supporters argue existing FAA drone regulations already protect public safety and that no evidence has been presented showing drones pose a security risk to agricultural facilities. They contend additional flight restrictions would reduce transparency and make it harder for journalists, researchers, and watchdog groups to document conditions at large livestock operations. The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposal before deciding whether to move forward with the rule. Agricultural organizations supporting the proposal say it would improve security and protect sensitive facilities.
-NAFB