Hungary has become one of the first EU Member States to establish a structured, legally compliant pathway for drone‑applied plant protection, according to SynTech Research Group. The move marks a significant milestone for agricultural drones in Europe, where aerial spraying remains tightly restricted under EU law.
Hungary moves ahead of EU peers with dedicated drone‑spraying framework
While the EU’s Sustainable Use Directive (2009/128/EC) generally prohibits aerial spraying, Article 9 allows countries to grant exemptions under strict conditions. Hungary has now formalised those conditions through updated national guidelines under Nébih’s Decree 44/2005, creating a predictable route for testing and legally authorising drone‑based application systems.
The Hungarian framework requires proof that drones provide a clear advantage over ground‑based methods; use of aerial‑approved plant protection products; and certified, qualified operators.
The guidelines also introduce efficacy‑trial standards tailored to drone technology; spray‑drift evaluation protocols for environmental risk assessments; equipment requirements, including approved drones and certified nozzle systems.
SynTech says this structure allows innovators to generate data that meets regulatory standards; something still impossible or unclear in many EU Member States.
OECD working toward harmonised global standards
It notes that the OECD’s Drone/UASS subgroup has already defined risk‑assessment principles for agricultural drones and is developing advanced models for human‑ and environmental‑safety evaluation. This international work is expected to reduce future regulatory fragmentation and support cross‑border adoption.
SynTech puts framework into practice with drone‑based macrobial biocontrol trials
To demonstrate compliance and feasibility under Hungary’s system, SynTech conducted drone‑applied trials of four Trichogramma‑based biological control products in organically managed maize.
Key features included: a randomised block design on large‑scale commercial fields; drone release timed to pest life cycles using weather and swarming data; performance measured via larval infestation, crop damage and yield.
The results confirmed that drone‑deployed macrobials can meet Hungary’s regulatory requirements and offer a viable alternative for controlling European corn borer and cotton bollworm – two of Europe’s most destructive maize pests.
Pathway opens door to wider EU adoption, but barriers remain
SynTech says drone‑based biocontrol offers a promising route to reduced chemical use, greater precision, and more sustainable pest management. But large‑scale EU adoption will depend on continued collaboration between innovators, regulators and CROs to replicate Hungary’s model, streamline authorisation, and build a scientific evidence base.
The company says it will continue supporting ag‑tech developers “from research to registration” as more Member States explore exemptions or begin drafting national drone‑spray frameworks.
