Agricultural Technology
Published Friday, February 27, 2026
Efforts to modernize outdated worker safety regulations that limit the use of autonomous tractors continued this year. California Farm Bureau, alongside a coalition of agricultural organizations and equipment manufacturers, engaged the governor’s office and legislative leadership to encourage a solution that allows innovation to move forward while addressing labor concerns.
Two years ago, Farm Bureau-sponsored Assembly Bill 1016 was signed into law, authorizing the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to update rules governing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by licensed aerial applicators. The law directs DPR to establish updated pathways for private applicators (those applying on their own farms) and commercial applicators.
In fall 2025, DPR launched an AB 1016 working group to begin developing implementing regulations. Initially, the group focused only on private applicators, with commercial applicator updates delayed until 2028. Farm Bureau raised concerns about this timeline and urged DPR to reconsider a strategy that would slow broader adoption of the technology.
Following stakeholder engagement and a temporary pause, DPR relaunched the working group with a clear commitment to advancing regulatory updates for commercial aerial applicators. This shift will help scale emerging technologies and better align regulatory policy with California’s investments in agricultural innovation and workforce development.
Staff contact: Peter Ansel, pansel@cfbf.com.
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