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From the three-year field trial to the specific bill on the use of drones and plant protection products: how the operational space for UAS operators, system integrators, and agritech companies is being redefined, and why Dronitaly 2026 is becoming the place to align technological offerings and new regulations.
The New Regulatory Framework: The Amendment to the Simplifications Bill (DDL)
On October 8, 2025, the Senate approved an amendment to the "Simplifications" Bill (DDL) that opens the door to the use of drones in agriculture within the scope of a regulated trial. This result, highlighted by Coldiretti as the fruit of joint work with Parliament and the Government, is part of a strategy for innovation and sustainability in Italian agriculture.
The measure introduces a three-year trial on the use of drones in the field, primarily oriented towards three functions:
- Spraying of plant protection products with precision criteria
- Land mapping
- Targeted fertilization
This amendment constitutes a targeted derogation from the general ban on aerial spraying (provided for by Legislative Decree 150/2012), while remaining connected to the National Action Plan (PAN) and ENAC/EASA regulations. Activities are limited to agricultural land and reserved for adequately trained professional operators.
For those supplying UAS platforms, payloads, software, or operational services, the message is clear: the experimental phase is not indiscriminate liberalization, but a regulatory corridor that rewards those capable of operating in regulated, traceable contexts integrated with safety and compliance requirements.
Technical Benefits and Market Opportunities
The Senate Bill documentation highlights that drones, flying at low altitude, significantly reduce the drift of plant protection products compared to airplanes and helicopters. This allows for limiting dispersion and reducing operator exposure, while also intervening in complex orographic contexts such as hilly vineyards and olive groves.
For those developing UAS platforms, the ability to document the reduction of drift and the optimization of dosages with data becomes a competitive factor, not just a regulatory requirement.
On the economic front, Coldiretti links the go-ahead to a digitalization dynamic already underway: according to the latest Smart Agrifood data, investments in 4.0 and 5.0 technologies are worth approximately 2.3 billion euros. Currently, agricultural areas employing advanced tools cover over 1 million hectares, equal to 9.5% of the total. Thanks to the development of new opportunities dictated by the updating of the Bills, at least 5,000 new job positions are estimated in the coming years, with the **"agricultural dronist"** and technical-analytical profiles as key figures.
For UAS operators, demand will not be limited to providing the vehicle but will include training, "turnkey" services, data analysis, and management integration. The winning position will be that of those who provide complete precision agriculture solutions.
Dronitaly 2026: Where Opportunity and Business Meet
In this scenario, Dronitaly confirms itself as the strategic meeting point to learn about, explore, and discuss the latest market news. Regulatory innovation, the use of drones in the agro-forestry sector, and data management will be among the themes of the conference program of Dronitaly 2026.
Recognized as the only event with international qualification in Italy for professional-use civil drones, the eleventh edition will be held from March 11 to 13, 2026 in its new venue, the Ex GAM, Congress Center at BolognaFiere.
Three days dedicated to exhibition, conferences, technical roundtables, and networking, to present the most advanced technologies and foster B2B and B2G relationships aimed at developing new partnerships, projects, and market opportunities.
The ideas and opportunities born during the special event at Brasimone in September will be the starting point for this second appointment, which will explore and develop the main themes of the world of professional-use civil drones.
Stay constantly updated on all new technologies, calls for tenders, and sector regulations
Participate in Dronitaly 2026
From March 11 to 13, 2026, at the Ex GAM, BolognaFiere Congress Center, the eleventh edition of Dronitaly will take place, the only international event in Italy for professional-use civil drones.
A concrete opportunity to explore the entire professional drone supply chain, update on the latest technologies, and forge strategic partnerships.
