Agri-Tech | Agri-Drones: Skills, Standards & Pathways into the Sector

Agri-Tech Frontiers Webinar Series | E07ARPAS-UK | Mohammed HasanAutoSpray Systems | Rob PearsonLantra | Andrew PalmerIn the latest episode of the Agri-Tech Frontiers webinar series – with ARPAS-UK, AutoSpray Systems and Lantra – the focus is on how drone use in agriculture is progressing from early adoption into scalable, real-world operations. As uncrewed aerial systems work alongside LiDAR mapping and precision application technologies, the sector is becoming more structured, repeatable and increasingly aligned with established agricultural practices.The agricultural sector is now reaching a stage of genuine commercial maturity. The session explores how training standards are evolving to keep pace with operational demands – particularly as drones take on roles such as pesticide application and disease control – and why establishing clear, recognised career pathways is becoming increasingly important. It also reflects a broader shift beyond piloting alone, with effective operations requiring a combination of strategy, engineering, compliance and delivery on the ground.Scaling capability remains a central theme, with advanced permissions – including all-weather operations, reduced separation distances, night flying and BVLOS – seen as key enablers of wider commercial deployment across the UK’s operating environment. The session also highlights entry pathways for new operators and the strong relevance of transferable skills from established, high-reliability sectors.This web series is in conjunction with the ARPAS-UK Agri-Environment Special Interest Group. You can also find more Drones in Agriculture related content here at ARPAS-UK.If you would like to get in touch with the Special Interest Group at ARPAS-UK, please contact [email protected] session is part of our eight-part web series ‘Agri-Tech Frontiers‘.