Since 2023, Health Canada has worked with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, international partners, and other federal departments to assess the health and environmental risks associated with applying pesticides by RPAS. Scientific data evaluated during this assessment indicates that the risks associated with pesticide application using RPAS are not greater than—and in some cases may be lower than—those associated with conventional aerial application methods. Based on this analysis, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is proposing a policy that would allow RPAS to be used for all pest control products currently approved for conventional aerial application, without requiring amendments to existing product labels.
Health Canada has opened a consultation period on this policy shift and is inviting public input. This consultation, which is open until March 25, 2026, aims to modernize regulations based on data suggesting drone risks are similar to or lower than conventional methods, aiming to remove barriers for farmers. The consultation period provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share their views, identify considerations, and suggest improvements. Feedback will help inform Health Canada’s final decision on this policy. To participate:
- Review the Regulatory Proposal (PRO2026-01) on RPAS pesticide application
- Submit comments during the public consultation period until March 25
If you require clarification on the proposed policy—such as a better technical understanding of its language and expectations—a public clarification session will be offered via webinar Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00 p.m. EST on Zoom. Information on how to register is available here.
Yesterday, CropLife Canada published the following statement on the PMRA drone consultation:
Drone application for crop protection products has the potential to improve the efficiency and sustainability of Canadian farmer operations. CropLife Canada is pleased to see the Pest Management Regulatory Agency move forward with a public consultation on drone application of pesticides. This is a step toward Canada aligning its approach with those of other risk-based jurisdictions and responding to the needs of Canadian growers. At a time when Canadian agriculture is poised to deliver significant economic and food security gains for the country, CropLife Canada continues to advocate for pragmatic, risk-based approaches to regulation that enable innovation and drive competitiveness while maintaining high standards for health and safety.
