Will the EU Use Drones to Spy and Enforce Regulations on Farms? Sure Looks Like It
- Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:30am by
Liz Klimas
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While the U.S. Congress approved a bill this week that would open airspace to drones, the European Union is already a few steps ahead and considering the use of these unmanned aerial vehicles to enforce its own regulations.
(Related: Report: Predator drones being used on U.S. citizens in America)
Popular Science reports that officials in the EU are looking to drones to police the skies over agricultural land to ensure farms aren’t cheating subsidies or violating rules within the Common Agriculture Policy:
Farm subsidies in the EU cost taxpayers billions of euros each year, and so it’s naturally in the best interests of regulators to maintain tight oversight over who gets how much. For years now, regulators have relied on satellite imagery to help them keep an eye on those claiming subsidies, photographing farmland from above and looking for the telltale signs of subsidy cheats or breaches of environmental rules. But satellite images are unreliable. In some places, mountainous terrain makes for long shadows that obscure features on the ground. In places like Scotland, it’s overcast all the time.
BBC has more details on the issue with satellites that make drones an attractive option:
Many things in the countryside are constantly changing and when the satellite passes over, “the animals may be in a field or in a barn — you can’t count the numbers very well”, says Roland Randall, an English farmer and environmental researcher in Cambridgeshire.
“When planners looked at the aerial photo records of our farm they thought we had an additional building without permission, but it was actually a haystack,” he told the BBC.
[...]
There have been few prosecutions in the UK based on satellite evidence, says Ray Purdy, a senior law researcher at University College London (UCL) specialising in satellite monitoring.
One case in the UK was dropped in 2001 because a farmer proved that he had planted a linseed crop, even though the satellite image appeared to show bare earth. The sparse young plants had failed to show up against the bright reflection off chalk downland.
(Image: BBC)
With drones, many of these issues would be cast aside. Drones can fly below cloud level and can capture more detailed pictures to be coupled with satellite images. BBC reports that use of the drones for this purpose is currently in its trial stage in France and Italy.
The EU isn’t just considering drones for farmland monitoring though. Other proposed uses, according to BBC, include map making, transportation of goods, border monitoring and more.
As Popular Science notes, it is becoming continually apparent that UAVs aren’t just for warfare anymore. The U.S. is already using or considering to use drones for things like border patrol and surveillance in New York City. In one case, a civilian powered drone recently spotted a violation from a meat packing plant dumping animal products into a Texas river.
Just this week Congress approved a bill that would not only speed up the adoption of GPS technology over radar systems in U.S. aircraft, but also will require the Federal Aviation Administration to open up the sky to military, commercial and privately-owned drones within the next four years. U.S. airspace is currently reserved for manned aircraft. There is an exception for drone use in segregated blocks of military airspace, border patrols and for about 300 public agencies and their private partners. Those public agencies are mainly restricted to flying small unmanned aircraft at low altitudes away from airports and urban centers.
Within nine months of the bill’s passage, the FAA is required to submit a plan on how to safely provide drones with expanded access.
Privacy advocacy groups in the U.S. and Europe have concerns over the use of drones as a policing method, when they were once only used in war zones. BBC reports that some are calling for more discussion on the privacy implications whereas others are rather accepting of the technology:
Ben Hayes of the campaign group Statewatch worries that Europe is rushing into the use of drones without sufficient public discussion.
“We would accept the argument that there are lots of things they can be useful for, but … the questions about what is acceptable and how people feel about drones hovering over their farmland or their demonstration — these debates are not taking place,” he says.
[..]
Rob Allan, a farmer in Warwickshire, said “it’s modern life really — I don‘t think there’s anything you can do about it”.
In the U.S., groups like the American Civil Liberties Union have voiced concerns over the Congress-approved bill for drone use, asking the government to consider the privacy issues more closely. The ACLU wrote in a statement: “We don’t want to wonder, every time we step out our front door, whether some eye in the sky is watching our every move.”
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Comments (157)
gofigureinternational
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:40amFood Safety Modernization Act passed 6 months to a year ago I am sure is “Completely Unrelated”. All of this is simply the pre-amble to inconceivable alterations to our Freedom, country and lifestyle. These planes could also be equipped to carry virtually anything; including herbicide if you are not adhering to Government mandates…after all, the law was passed with “bipartisan” support. Yes, change is coming and we will all be searching for hope at that point.
Report Post »merchantsailor
Posted on February 11, 2012 at 2:53pm@GOFIGURE
Soylent Green??? It just hit me. In Revelations John talks about the “locust” and how they sting and torment. These drones will be able to spray noxious gas over large areas to torment or sting subdue entire populations hmmmm…..
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:38amThis article TOTALLY ASKS the WRONG QUESTION:
The right question is: What the Hay is it that Government is GIVING PERMISSION to build buildings, plant crops, assemble, on your own LAND?
Let us back-track in THIS NATION, and make this next election about Personal Liberty, and Private Property Rights.
And let us make the point with a THUNDEROUS MARCH to the Polls. One that cannot be overcome with some PUNY LAWSUIT after the election.
Report Post »chasbronson
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:50amPrivate property rights have sadly become an illusion to tax you on something you think you own but the government now controls. Agenda 21.
Report Post »USACommoner
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 11:16amCHAS: You’re so right. Agenda 21. Look it up, people. It‘s insidious and it’s already here. You can search on a map to see if it’s already been enacted in your area (bet it has). Legislation has already been passed to control the food supply. When the government also controls all the land, “your” land, it’s all over.
Report Post »TheWholeTruth
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 12:21pmCHASBRONSON That‘s why people who don’t owe money on property (own) NEED to get a Land Patent!!! It‘s the top dog of all ’claims’ on property. They can’t take it for taxes, etc. It’s held by the person, their heirs and assignees in perpetuity (forever.)
Report Post »raybojabo
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:23amDUH? Why do you think they took your GPS coordinates as part of the Census? Target aquisition my freind.
Report Post »brntout
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:39amTough to hit a moving target,they always say,if you know what I mean.Census not so accurate to the stealthy.
Report Post »SKR8PN
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 2:10pmTarget aquisition works both ways. :)
Report Post »B-Neil
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:22amThere is no, will they use drones. There already using them and not just in Europe and not just to check out farmers. Wake up! The new world order is like a vine. It grows slow but will cover everything. CARRY ON McDUFF
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:21amThis is what happens when one takes money from the government, they become “owned.” Once you accept payment from an government entity, you are expected to comply with any and all rules afterwards, and rules are subject to change at any time.
Report Post »skitrees
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 11:12am@Anon
What you say is mostly correct in a pre-1990s America. Sadly, you don’t have to accept ANY money/funds in order to lose it all now. They can seize your property for whatever reason, whatever price, etc whenever they want to – backed up by the Supreme Court of the US saying it is fine to take your land and give it to someone who could make more tax dollars for the populace. Heck, now they can even throw you in prison indefinitely just for saying something bad about the government. The rules against freedom have changed.
Report Post »soybomb315
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:20amThink about how far we have come as a civilization…Instead of people scraping by to get basic necessities – we have governments preventing people from GROWING FOOD.
Report Post »amdoktor
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:15amDoes anyone else see whats happening here? Is this what our Republic will tolerate? Wake up !
Report Post »Pro-Palin
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:27amHi Big SIS the plan is coming along nicely for your ideals right now isnt it, we will havethese here next week count on it. the Michelle air drone brigade stay away from Mcdonalds its like a mosque they wont target the building but if its outside in a car its game on …. Michelle Obama food CZAR the home whitehouse edition for bad food choices.
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCjPY1SlDCk
brntout
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:15amCk out this one. http://rt.com/usa/news/us-bill-unmanned-drone-849/
Report Post »TiocFaidhArLa
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:12amAnd what will YOU do about it?
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:31amVote out Obama!
Report Post »soybomb315
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 1:49pmnot vote for any power-hungry politicians
Report Post »RagingJudge
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 2:24pmShoot em down!
Man that makes me feel like a jihadist…
Report Post »hidden_lion
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 6:38pmSam-
Report Post »how will voting out Obama change this? The congress and senate create and pass these infringements on our rights. Obama is just a small piece of the equation. Only 3 people voted against the NDAA. They are all in league to take your rights.
Meyvn
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:08amIf they decide to loiter over my property they had better stay high and out of sight.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:06amBTW if they come after my onion patch they are not going to have a friendly reception.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:05amI am going to paint a large, rude direction on what they can do with their drone on my roof.
Report Post »PossumStu
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 12:29pmOK, now THAT’s funny right there! Made my morning.
Report Post »Shellback
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:03amDaisy,
Report Post »We all know that you are really some 60ish 200lb one-eyed Wench who is spearphishing here. Do go away mad, just go away. Try your phishing tactics at the HuffPo.
PPMStudios
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:03am“Farm subsidies in the EU cost taxpayers billions of euros each year”
I’ve got an idea.. Quit subsidizing farmers!! Let the free market work!!
Wow, what a concept….
Report Post »PATRIOTMAMA
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:34amya saves money everywhere, saves money on subsidies to the farmers, saves money for the consumers and then you don’t have to buy and operate those pesky drones either!!! What an IDEA!!!!
Report Post »jeffersonian1776
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:40amRemember, they do it all for own good. As Ricky Santorum believes, his view of so-called “true conservatives” actually don’t believe in this Thomas Jefferson laissez-faire small “r” gov’t, nor a free market either, and that we need to be controlled, compelled, and coerced for our own good. Because, as slicky tricky Ricky stated, “There’s never been a society in history that has made it on pure individualism” (I’m paraphrasing here, but the context is still spot on); in other words, it takes a village to raise a child, as he believes. We must conform to the desires of the collective or be castigated.
Report Post »Well he is absolutely wrong on that note: what do you call the millions of immigants whom emigrated from Europe going back to Jamestown clear through the Victorian era. What about Manifest Destiny when we settled the West, the Gold Rush, and so on? If that isn’t rugged individualism then I have no idea what can be defined as, it sure the heck was not a form of collectivism. So Rick, YOU ARE WRONG! America is one such country that was founded on individualism and still is trying to, trying to, save itself and thrive through individualism, not right-wing progressivism which makes Rick a Progressive (that’s not my opinion, that is fact based on his sociopolitical stance and can be corroborated). But hey, when you make the claim that you are the candidate whom Jesus stands with, and that he’s the good Jesus candidate, which he is, just let him tell you, then nothing more
PPMStudios
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 12:20pm@ JEFFERSONIAN1776
Yeah, I’m getting real tired of government believing they know what is or is not good for me. For us.
If they’re so damned good at managing our lives, taking our Liberties, and taking care of us, then why haven’t “they” found the cure for death??
Report Post »brntout
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:00amContainer gardening is the simplest answer.
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:43amYeah, if you’re feeding ONE PERSON. LOL!
Report Post »brntout
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:56amGreenhouse effect.More windows ,more food.Not here to feed the masses, but constructive thinking has a way of breeding self reliance.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:52amMust be why the FAA was just directed to make airspace for our own DRONES?
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:45am“I don‘t think there’s anything you can do about it”.
Sure there is; it’s called a Surfce to Air Missile.
Report Post »brntout
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:06amMust have RADAR to be effective.Heat seeking ineffective.Suggest microwave or EMP burst .Local fliers with threat detection devices and AIM 7‘s and AMRAAM’s aboard should do the trick.
Report Post »RagingJudge
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 2:29pmSome of them fly low enough that a good marksman could pick it off. Just make sure the camera isn’t looking ;)
Report Post »RagingJudge
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 2:30pmAlso, the Iranians were able to jam the control signal and cause the thing to crash land. Food for thought.
Report Post »2theADDLED
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:43amWe also do this here spying on people to see if they have built pools and decks and then try to collect the taxes.
Report Post »BMroxy
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:43amDear God in the name of Jesus, continue to protect my family and friends along our southern border from the corruptness that is occuring. Protect their farm, and keep my family elders safe from all harm. Please dear lord shield them from government drones and any violations of the freedoms you have provided for each of us in the United States. Dear Lord intervene on behalf of we the people so that our own government not follow suit of the EU. I pray in the name of Jesus that we are not next in this God!!!
Please if you are a christian please pray for my family and their continued safety near the border, because I don’t think they have any intentions of leaving!
Report Post »momrules
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:01amMy prayers are for all of God’s good people everywhere. May God bless your family.
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:43amWell our Gov’t is out and about, asking questions of whether or not you use your land as farm land…it’s like a 6 page questionnaire…and if you don’t reply they will come to your homestead…I complied and replied.
And yes if you have a farm coop you will be investigated…not concerned about the screwed up EU.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:42amDrone use falls in line with SB S510, Food Safety Modernization Act which is under the authority of DHS.
Report Post »The U.S. government will soon know what we grow in our back yard garden.
AmericanStrega
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:43amI agree Momrules. I’ve been trying to figure out how to grow produce in our basement. What I’ve found so far is way too expensive, but I’m not going to let it go. Imagine, fresh produce all year around!
Report Post »chasbronson
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 10:46amDarn,there goes the marijuana plantation I was planning to grow as a first income. lol
Report Post »USACommoner
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 11:28amChas: Once the country collapses, you should be cleared for takeoff.
Report Post »hidden_lion
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 6:33pmHydroponics and solar power will be your friend. A greenhouse camouflaged from aerial surveillance also a good idea or could be tucked into dense, natural foliage around your place.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:41amOnce again the government is moving to throttle the nations free markets for all they are worth; the time will come again when idiots of government that they will force farmers to destroy crops and such based on photos and idiots in DC using rulers instead of going into the fields.
My grandfather told me repeatedly of the Feds trying to harass him into joining the process of being paid NOT TO FARM; he told them to leave and was fined many times for ‘violation of the policy’ for a neighbour farm that he had nothing to do with; all due to DC idiots.
Report Post »ashestoashes
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:41amPardon MUAH…but I thought they had satelites to look even into people’s back yards..I wonder how much the little drone program costs? Paying tax payer dollars for farmers not to farm their land..then spending tax dollor money to make sure that they are not..keeping food prices high..and monetary collapse…The government…such wonderfull people.
Report Post »RagingJudge
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 2:34pmBut right now sattelites can’t shoot at you (yet). So they need drones.
Report Post »POdVet
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:38amKnowing the current administration, these drones will be used to give illegals crossing the border a warning in case border patrol agents are approaching. They wouldn’t want their drug shipments and cheap labor source cut off!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:43amOf course not and they will probably be armed to the teeth for usage against US Citizens who dare to protest in the least the message will be: Speak up and the drones come blow you away.
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:44amYou can’t hear them, they are hard to spot.
Report Post »Dougral Supports Israel
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:36amThe real problem isn’t the drones, its the regulations. Get rid of the pervasive government regulation and there would be no need for drones. Let farmers farm what they will and compete in the market freely.
Report Post »bpodlesnik
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 9:50amWell if it is true that farm subsidies cost billions of taxpayer dollars each year then I see a need for some kind of regulation. I think this can go both ways. The fact that it cost so much in taxpayer money each year, tells me that there are some farmers are doing something illegal, and have caused EU to have no trust in them. But also, it seems that farmers have been wrongly accused at times, which could lead to a wrong thinking that all farmers are cheating subsidies, or breaking the law.
I hope that makes sense to someone.
Report Post »RagingJudge
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 2:36pmIt makes sense if you believe that farmers should be told what to grow and how to grow it. Any they shouldn’t.
So no.
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