While satellites are used on over 70% of farm inspections across Europe, the European Commission has noted that satellites cannot see everything on farms and has suggested drones could be used in difficult to inspect areas.

In particular, measures such as GLAS on Irish farms or cross-compliance inspections involving the Nitrates Derogation are difficult to monitor using a satellite. Countries including Denmark, Estonia and Sweden have already adopted drone technology for farm inspections, with others including Germany and Poland, indicating drones could play a role in their future inspections.

In Denmark, inspectors use drones in areas difficult to access, which reduces the health and safety risks and the time it takes to inspect farms. It is not yet known if Ireland will follow their lead.