Precision viticulture
Vineyard spraying by drone in Switzerland
Switzerland was the first country in Europe to authorise vineyard spraying by drone, with an approval procedure opened as early as 2019. About ten operators are now authorised to work in Swiss vineyards, at a service price observed at around CHF 650 per hectare with an operator such as Agrofly.
Why Swiss vineyards are suited to drones
The terraced vineyards of Valais and Lavaux have historically been hard to treat with a straddle tractor; some plots were still treated by helicopter, notably via Air Glaciers' 'Spray-off' service.
The drone is gradually replacing the helicopter on these steep terrains: it flies closer to the foliage, reduces product drift towards neighbouring plots and the surrounding area, and allows more targeted interventions, plot by plot.
In Lavaux, the use of organic or biodynamic products compatible with drone treatment has become widespread over the past five years or so, which has made it easier for winegrowers to adopt this technique.
A pioneering framework in Europe
Switzerland opened an approval procedure for drone spraying as early as 2019, ahead of the rest of Europe. This early framework explains the higher number of operators and approved models compared with most neighbouring countries.
According to estimates reported by the trade press, Switzerland now has around ten authorised operators and around twenty drone models approved for this use — a figure to be verified case by case with Agroscope, which holds the official list.
Service operators in Switzerland
Agrofly, a pioneer of the sector in Valais, was one of the first operators to offer vineyard spraying by drone in Switzerland. Aero41 operates a hexacopter developed in Switzerland, the AGv1, fitted with a 16-litre tank and approved for this use.
Drone Précision Suisse has operated in French-speaking Switzerland with DJI Agras drones since 2019. Other operators such as Agribio Drone, Dronesolutions and Trenderia (Seeland) round out the offering, while Altidrone provides a complementary service: dispersing trichogramma wasps against the European corn borer, useful for estates that also grow field crops.
- Agrofly — pioneer, Valais, vineyard spraying service
- Aero41 — AGv1 hexacopter, 16 L tank, approved
- Drone Précision Suisse — DJI Agras, French-speaking Switzerland, active since 2019
- Agribio Drone, Dronesolutions, Trenderia — complementary offering
- Altidrone — dispersal of trichogramma wasps against the European corn borer
What does a drone spraying service cost?
The price observed with an operator such as Agrofly is around CHF 650 per hectare. This amount varies depending on the number of passes needed during the season, the slope of the terrain, the total area treated and the product applied.
Compared with a helicopter, the drone generally offers a lower cost and less noise for neighbours, which makes it an increasingly popular option in Lavaux and Valais for plots inaccessible to a tractor.
How a service works
The operator must hold FOCA authorisation for aerial application as well as the Agroscope approval of the drone model used, renewed every three years. The pilot must themselves hold the treatment permit.
The flight follows a precise flight path, with a technical tracking accuracy requirement of around ±50 cm, in order to limit drift towards neighbouring plots, waterways and inhabited areas.
Using a service provider rather than buying
For a wine estate, using an approved operator avoids investing in the drone, the Agroscope approval and the annual FOCA applications, which remain the service provider's responsibility.
SinoDrone directs winegrowers to active Swiss operators depending on the region (Valais, Lavaux, French-speaking Switzerland) and the type of treatment sought.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of vineyard spraying by drone in Switzerland?
The price observed with an operator such as Agrofly is around CHF 650 per hectare. It varies depending on the number of treatments in the season, the slope and the total area of the plot.
Which operators offer vineyard spraying by drone in Switzerland?
Agrofly (Valais, a pioneer of the sector), Aero41 (AGv1 hexacopter), Drone Précision Suisse (DJI Agras, French-speaking Switzerland) as well as Agribio Drone, Dronesolutions and Trenderia are among the identified active operators.
Does the drone replace the helicopter for treating vineyards?
It is increasingly replacing it on sloped plots such as in Lavaux, where helicopter treatment (Air Glaciers' Spray-off service) was traditional. The drone reduces product drift and noise for neighbours.
Is special authorisation required to spray vineyards by drone?
Yes. The operator must hold FOCA authorisation for aerial application and Agroscope approval for the drone model used, renewed every three years, in addition to the pilot's treatment permit. Details are given on our regulation page.
How many operators are authorised to spray vineyards by drone in Switzerland?
According to estimates reported by the trade press, around ten operators and around twenty drone models are currently approved for this use in Switzerland. The exact figure should be checked with Agroscope, which holds the official list.
Why is Switzerland a pioneer in vineyard spraying by drone?
Switzerland opened an approval procedure for drone spraying as early as 2019, ahead of the rest of Europe. This early framework enabled the development of operators and approved models, notably on the terraced vineyards of Valais and Lavaux.