<p>
In these days of calls for diminished intimacy and otherwise stay in and stay safe; I’m looking at a possibility of the one hand not knowing what the other hand is doing. The Federal Aviation Administration is considering additional regulation of drone operations that would severely limit farm and ranch ability to utilize drones in the production efforts of those farms and ranches. The irony in that is, that the proposed new rule requires “remote identification of drones in flight”.
</p>
<p>
The Congressional Relations Director for American Farm Bureau, R.J. Karney, explains that it means an unmanned aircraft in flight must be able to provide identification and location information to folks on the ground – law enforcement is his example of “folks”. But that regulation, in turn, would require the availability of the internet.
</p>
<p>
Going back to the time when the internet was recognized as a valuable communications tool, and not just a fad, Agriculture has been pleading for the extension of internet services into the still-unserved areas of the country – including a great deal of U S farmland. Michigan U S Senator Gary Peters who has been working on legislation to provide extended internet services, is urging revisions that will permit agricultural operation of drones into areas of – not only agriculture – farms and ranches – but also foresters and small businesses. Such revisions, he says, should not impose any undue cost burden. All this, to me, makes so much common sense. It makes so much common sense, that I fear for its survival, never mind application. The Federal Aviation Administration does have a Drone Advisory Committee, but has declined to appoint agricultural representatives. A Drone Advisory Committee? On another topic, several years ago, I recall then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher advised against appointing a Committee, contending that if a Committee is appointed, the Problem never goes away! Well – – we’ll see.
</p>
<p>
Historically – and Now – and into the future, Agriculture will be among this nation’s most critical industries. The Department of Homeland Security says so – – putting Agriculture right up there with public health, law enforcement, defense, and 12 other industries – all of critical importance. Various governmental units – states and major cities, for example have recommended or even imposed curfews and quarantines in a Herculean effort to stem the tide of Corona Virus. More than 60 groups, representing food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods sought and won uniform guidance on exemptions from such regulations, for obvious reasons. One of the things this does, so the experts say, it gives farmers confidence as they go ahead with the 2020 planting season.
</p>
AGRICULTURE IS CRITICAL
By localnews@mwcradio.com
Aug 17, 2020 | 3:41 PM
Motorcyclist killed in Allegan County crash
15h ago
Man charged in shooting death of New Baltimore man in Kalamazoo
13h ago
Hit-and-run victim identified
12h ago
Western Michigan University to meet with pro-Palestinian protestors
18h ago
Gates, restrooms, and water fountains are now open at City of Kalamazoo parks
18h ago
Diocese of Kalamazoo announces Otsego elementary school will close
11h ago