In the wake of a growing farm labour shortage in the UK, groundbreaking drone technology, designed to offer a helping hand to the nation's farmers, is set to be rolled out across the sector.

Hungary-based agriculture technology pioneer, ABZ Innovation, is set to introduce its state-of-the-art agricultural drones into the UK market, following a change in rules around crop spraying, allowing drones to now be used. Developed and tested in partnership with the University of Gyor, Hungary, ABZ’s agricultural drones represent a transformative application of drone technology, providing a cost-effective and highly efficient means of field and orchard spraying.

A spokesperson from the University of Győr, said: “Our collaboration with ABZ Innovation on developing the agricultural drones has yielded results that truly revolutionise the way we approach farming. We've rigorously tested these drones and are impressed with their precision and efficiency. Our research shows a substantial increase in spray coverage while significantly reducing the use of resources. This technology is not just about addressing labour shortages; it’s about driving UK agriculture towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.”

Farmers and growers stand to gain significantly, benefiting from a reduced workload and the ability to easily reach areas that were previously inaccessible or difficult to spray. ABZ drone technology enables UK farmers to use up to 50% less chemicals and 95% less water in crop production. This creates huge economic and environmental benefits for the UK farming community, especially at a time where weather is highly unpredictable.

Karoly Ludvigh, ABZ’s Chief Executive, said: “With the UK agricultural sector facing significant challenges, our drone technology offers a practical solution, enhancing efficiency while adhering to the highest environmental standards. Global political tensions, supply issues, weather and food shortages no longer make traditional methods practical. Our advanced CDA spraying system, coupled with highly optimised airflow from the propellers, set our drones apart.

“Not only do we offer exceptional efficiency, but our enhanced power train extends the life of our drones’ batteries, ensuring the lowest possible operating costs. Our drones are capable of navigating on a centimetre level accuracy, providing an unmatched precision in plant protection. We are on the cusp of roll out in the UK and are eager to bring our solutions to the next generation of farmers.”

Drone technology is already widespread across Europe with farmers and growers in Poland, Portugal, Greece, Slovakia, Finland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Serbia, Estonia and Northern Macedonia using ABZ Innovation’s drones. More recently, ABZ’s technology has expanded into Africa with farmers in Ghana adopting the innovator’s drones. ABZ Innovation is set to challenge the Chinese hegemony in agricultural drone technology as the use of its drones grows rapidly across the globe.

The company is committed to providing unparalleled support, tailored to the specific needs of farmers and landowners. This includes readily available spare parts, technical assistance and spare drones - a unique value proposition in the industry.

Ludvigh added: “We understand that farmers need more than just tools - they need comprehensive solutions that not just make their lives easier but can positively impact on their bottom line. Our goal is to help them every step of the way, ensuring that they have the resources and support necessary to reap the full benefit of our drone technology.”