Thank you, Mr. Chair.
My name is Eric Cheff. I'm the owner and operator of At Heights Drone Services, an Ontario-based company in which I'm in partnership with Johan Wall.
For four years, we've successfully conducted drone operations across approximately 4,500 acres, accumulating over 500 hours of flight time. Our work demonstrates the transformative potential of drone technology in delivering safe, precise and efficient application of herbicides and fungicides, enabling farmers to optimize crop protection even under challenging weather conditions.
When we launched our business, we were informed that regulatory approval for agricultural drone application was imminent. Four years later, the absence of clear legislation continues to impede our ability to meet growing demand, forcing us to decline work from farmers weekly. Extensive studies by chemical manufacturers have validated the safety and efficacy of drone-based application, yet Canadian farmers remain unable to fully leverage this technology due to regulatory delays.
Drones offer a proven method to apply crop protection products at optimal times with reduced rates, enhancing environmental sustainability and global competitiveness for Canadian agriculture. The lack of progress in approving drone application for agricultural pesticides stifles innovation, limits productivity and places Canadian farmers at a disadvantage in the global market. We urgently request that the federal government, in collaboration with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, expedite the development and implementation of regulations to enable safe and effective use of drones in agriculture. This advancement will empower farmers, support scientific progress and strengthen Canada's agricultural sector.
I'm available to provide further insight or data from our operations and to discuss advances on this critical issue.