#AGRG2612503ATemporary Drone Spraying Exemption for Certain Vineyards in Southern France
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This order temporarily allows drone spraying of one approved plant protection product on vineyard plots that cannot be reached or worked by ground machinery because of soil conditions. The exemption applies only until 31 May 2026 and only in specified areas of Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard and Hérault. Vineyard operators using the exemption must follow strict operating limits: drones must fly no higher than 3 metres above the vegetation, travel at 18 km/h or less, weigh no more than 200 kg at takeoff, and use equipment designed to reduce spray drift. Operators must keep a 50-metre safety distance from homes, public places, water points, protected areas, livestock areas and other sensitive sites, and must file a treatment declaration at least 48 hours in advance.
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Key Changes
- Allows temporary drone application of Bouillie Bordelaise RSR Disperss on inaccessible vineyard plots until 31 May 2026.
- Limits the exemption to listed municipalities and areas in Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard and Hérault.
- Requires 48-hour advance notice, mayor notification, site marking, trained personnel, protective equipment and a 50-metre safety distance from sensitive locations.
Obligations
What this law requires
Use the drone-spraying derogation only until 31 May 2026, only for vineyard plots that are inaccessible or impracticable by ground machinery because of soil conditions, and only within the geographic areas listed for Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard and Hérault.
Apply only the phytopharmaceutical product listed in Annex I, BOUILLIE BORDELAISE RSR DISPERSS (AMM No. 9500452), when using the authorised unmanned aircraft spraying derogation.
Operate the unmanned aircraft in compliance with civil aviation rules and ensure each spraying flight is no more than 3 metres above vegetation, at 18 km/h or less, with takeoff mass of 200 kg or less, and with spray equipment using the best available technology to reduce drift.
Maintain the 50-metre product safety distance from homes, public places, regular workplaces, vulnerable-person locations, animal buildings and parks, protected natural areas, drinking water points, watercourses, mapped hydrographic features, livestock watering points, aquaculture basins and salt marshes.
Ensure the operator, pilot, and all ground personnel handling phytopharmaceutical products hold the individual certificate required under Article L. 254-3 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code.