Technological Advancements

The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) recognizes that advancements in technology have provided increasing opportunities for pesticide applications, including the application of pesticide products via unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also referred to as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles.

On July 20, 2022, KDA implemented a new policy authorizing commercial applications of pesticides via UAS, with additional categories becoming effective January 1, 2023. On April 7, 2025, KDA revised the commercial application policy to expand the permitted categories. Also on April 7, 2025, KDA implemented a new policy authorizing applications of pesticides via UAS for government agencies.

Pesticide Business Licensees

Pesticide businesses interested in completing pesticide applications via unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) need to complete an application and receive approval by the Secretary of Agriculture prior to completing such pesticide applications.

Pesticide applications via UAS is permitted in Categories 1, 2, 3 (3A/3B only), 5, 6, 7 (7C/7D only), and 10. Pesticide applications via UAS may only be completed by a certified commercial applicator. No uncertified applicator or registered pest control technician shall apply pesticides via a UAS. 

Pesticide businesses shall complete the application and provide all required documents with the application via email to KDA.PestFert@ks.gov or via mail to: Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan KS 66502.

Government Agencies

Government agencies interested in completing pesticide applications via unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) need to complete an application and receive approval by the Secretary of Agriculture prior to completing such pesticide applications.

Pesticide applications via UAS is permitted in Categories 1, 2, 3 (3A/3B only), 5, 6, 7 (7C only), 8, 9, and 10. Pesticide applications via UAS may only be completed by a certified commercial applicator. No uncertified applicator or registered pest control technician shall apply pesticides via a UAS. 

Government agencies shall complete the application and provide all required documents with the application via email to KDA.PestFert@ks.gov or via mail to: Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan KS 66502.