Comment from Paulette Zimmerman
Paulette ZimmermanOpposeIndividual
Summary: The commenter opposes the proposed rule allowing food and agriculture facilities to obtain Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions (UAFRs). They argue that drones are essential for public oversight of animal welfare and environmental practices, and that these restrictions would allow large operations to shield themselves from accountability.
I strongly oppose allowing food and agriculture facilities to obtain Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions (UAFRs). Drone photojournalism is one of the only tools the public has to see inside factory farms along with the animal suffering going on and hold them accountable.
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 is a serious issue.
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. They must be held accountable.