Comment from Lisa DeMetz
Lisa DeMetzOpposeIndividual
Summary: The commenter opposes the proposed action, arguing that granting Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions (UAFRs) to food and agriculture facilities would shield factory farms from public scrutiny. They emphasize that drone photojournalism is a critical tool for holding these facilities accountable for environmental, marketing, and animal welfare issues.
Please know that I absolutely oppose allowing food and agriculture facilities to obtain Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions (UAFRs).
Drone photojournalism is one of the ONLY WAYS the public can see inside factory farms and hold them accountable. And the public must know what is going on inside factory farms!
There is no documented evidence of drones threatening safety or security at these facilities, but there is a documented history of drone footage exposing false marketing claims, environmental violations, and animal welfare abuses.
This rule could let the largest, most powerful operations shield themselves from scrutiny — the opposite of what the public interest requires. I urge the FAA not to develop gating criteria for this sector and not to grant UAFRs to food and agriculture facilities.