Enabling the Use of Drones for Pesticides Application

Overview of Proposal

Ontario is proposing updates to its pesticides framework to establish a regulatory pathway for pesticide application using remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS, or “drones”). To support innovation and reduce regulatory burden for farmers and pesticide application businesses while continuing to protect human health and the environment, Ontario is proposing amendments to Ontario Regulation 63/09 under the Pesticides Act that would:

• Create a drone-specific pesticide application licence with associated training, giving licensed exterminators and their clients greater access to modern pest management tools and application technologies along with training for safe applications
• Provide farmers with more tools to protect and manage crops by allowing farmers who are already certified to apply pesticides on their agricultural operation to use drones for pesticide application after completing training, consistent with requirements for other precision application equipment
• Implement an interim approach that recognizes existing aerial licenses until the drone-specific licence and training programs are available
• Align with Transport Canada’s requirements for drone operation and Health Canada’s requirements for pesticide use. The proposal would not authorize the use of a pesticides in ways not approved by Health Canada or exempt drone operators from applicable Transport Canada requirements. An appropriate drone Pilot Certificate from Transport Canada is always required to apply pesticides by drone. 

Why are changes needed?

Currently, there is no clear regulatory path for the use of drones for pesticide application in Ontario. 

In June 2026, Health Canada introduced a policy allowing pesticide application by drone for products currently registered for aerial application.

Six other provinces have begun permitting drone-based pesticide application under a pesticide application licence.

For exterminators, a drone-specific licence and certification would provide a clear pathway to offering drone-based pesticide application services, supported by drone-specific training for safe pesticide application. 

Ontario farmers would have a cost-effective option to apply pesticides by drone following training in safe and appropriate application. Agricultural spray drones may support profitability and environmental sustainability. Benefits of drone usage include more precise application, targeted treatment areas and improved flexibility to treat crops when the pesticide will be most efficient, both of which could reduce overall cost and pesticide use.

Using drones as an alternative to piloted aircraft for pesticide application could improve application precision and target specific areas, potentially reducing pesticide use. Beyond agriculture, drones could also provide new tools for managing invasive species and other pests in hard-to-access terrain and sensitive environments.

Globally, the use of drones to apply pesticides is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. A drone-specific licence and training certification for exterminators along with a drone-specific training requirement for farmers, would help ensure that businesses and farmers can continue to leverage new and emerging technologies to support their growth and success.

Proposal Details

To provide a clear regulatory pathway for pesticides application by drone, Ontario is proposing to amend Ontario Regulation 63/09 (General), under the Pesticides Act, to incorporate drone technology into existing separate training streams defined in regulation that address the distinct needs of licensed exterminators and farmers.

For exterminators, to apply pesticides from the air using drones:

• The current aerial licence (intended for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft application) does not require training specific to drone-based pesticide application. Recognizing the need for drone-specific training and that most drone exterminators would be different than professionals applying pesticides by other aerial methods, Ontario is proposing a new distinct licence class and training certification requirement specific to the use of drones is proposed to ensure that drone applicators have the proper training and knowledge to apply pesticides in a safe and responsible manner, without the need to be trained on other aerial methods as well
• Obtaining a drone-specific exterminator’s licence would follow the same process as obtaining other exterminator licences. Applicants would need to:
  • Demonstrate competency by successfully passing both a provincial basic pesticide knowledge examination and an exam specific to pesticide application by drone
  • Apply for a licence and meet conditions of licensing (e.g., minimum age of 16 years)
• For an interim period, while the new licence and training certification program is being developed, exterminators who hold an existing aerial licence are permitted to apply pesticides by drone
• Existing requirements for licensed exterminators would apply, such as carrying a copy of the licence. Also, applications by drone would be considered an aerial application and subject to regulated requirements for aerial applications (other than the need for a general aerial licence), such as associated record keeping and insurance

For farmers, to apply pesticides from the air using a drone:

• Farmers are currently exempt from the requirement for a licence for many land applications of pesticides, so long as they meet prescribed conditions, including certification through the Grower Pesticide Safety Course. This exemption does not currently apply to aerial applications. Recognizing the differences between drones and other aircraft (such as airplanes and helicopters), Ontario is proposing to exempt farmers from the requirement to hold an aerial pesticide application licence for drone use, provided they meet specified conditions, including completing drone-specific training
• Farmers applying pesticides by drone would be required to:
  • Completion (certification) of relevant MECP-approved training; This training is expected to be incorporated into the current farmer training and associated certification. Once new content is incorporated, every farmer renewing their certification will receive training. The ministry is also considering options for farmers who have recently recertified to demonstrate drone-specific training without early renewal of their certificate
• Other conditions associated with pesticide applications by certified farmers and aerial exterminations would apply, such as record keeping, being at least 16 years of age (the restrictions on aerial applications would not apply for aerial applications by drone)
• Existing aerial application record- keeping and any applicable insurance requirements would apply to anyone operating a drone for pesticide application

Proposed Implementation Timing

Following consideration of feedback received on the proposed changes to Ontario Regulation 63/09 (General), regulatory amendments could be finalized by Spring 2027. 

Developing and implementing the new drone-specific licensing and certification programs, for exterminators and farmers, could take up to two years. Holders of existing aerial exterminator licences are permitted to apply pesticides by drone. This applies as of now. In the interim, farmers could either obtain an aerial exterminator licence or hire an exterminator who holds one.

Summary of Regulatory Impact Analysis

The proposed changes are expected to improve business opportunities and employment for pesticide related businesses and lower costs for those in the agriculture sector. A pesticide application business could expand their services to include drone-based application. Farmers would have more tools to apply pesticides which could improve efficiency, reduce pesticide usage and lower costs.

In place of the current aerial licence and certification requirements, exterminators who wish to use drones would require an drone-specific exterminator licence. As a result, for exterminators, the drone licence and certification would replace an aerial licence and certification resulting in a net-zero financial impact. 

For farmers, the need for a licence would not apply and would thereby lower costs for those farmers completing the certification for drone application. 

The costs for a certification body to administer the new certification programs would be recovered through certification registration and renewal fees.