<p>With food demands predicted to increase along with increasing world population in the coming decades, new agronomic technologies are being explored in the push to increase the efficiency of precision agriculture. One key technology on the horizon may be UAVs, commonly known as drones.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">According to the Huffington Post, unmanned aircraft might be perfect for agriculture, where flying in the vast expanses of rural fields avoids most of the major privacy concerns many Americans have about drones. Thus far, most drones have been used for military applications. However, many have hypothesized commercial uses. Recently as part of a publicity campaign, online retailer Amazon announced plans to deliver packages to customers' doorsteps using self-directed drones.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">In spite of these potentials, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet allowed commercial uses of drones in the United States. Currently, according to the FAA, researchers can apply for an experimental permit which allows flights only for demonstrations, training, and R&D.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Unmanned aircraft systems are currently being developed by a number of companies and university researchers. Drones could be outfitted with cameras, chemical applicators, and sensors capable of monitoring numerous aspects of crop health and development. Additional proposed uses include pollinating, planting and harvesting. Even if a drone only provides an aerial view of fields, this would still provide a tremendous benefit for some growers.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Japan and countries in Latin America have already begun using drones for some agricultural applications. While it is unclear how this technology will ultimately affect agriculture, one thing is for sure - we've barely scratched the surface.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/14/drones-agriculture_n_4446498.html" target="_new"> Huffington Post </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
