For Mary Ellen McKeen, the State Senate’s decision to endorse a bill permitting farmers to utilize drones for pesticide spraying without informing neighboring landowners was not the outcome she hoped for.

“I was disappointed that the bees’ rights and the public’s rights were taken,” said McKeen, a beekeeper overseeing 30 colonies, mostly located in Somersworth.

Despite the setback, she remains optimistic after the State Senate voted in favor of House Bill 1698 on Thursday, allowing aerial pesticide spraying without notifying neighbors. The bill moves back to the House for final approval before heading to the governor’s desk.

“We do have hope and are going to keep plugging along,” she said.

At present, farmers can apply pesticides using trucks or manual methods without informing their neighbors. But when it comes to aerial application with airplanes, helicopters or drones for aerial spraying, a written notice must be submitted in person to every property owner or affected individual within a 200-foot radius of the intended spray zone.

The memo must be sent out at least 14 days before the spraying starts, but not more than 60 days in advance.

The proposed legislation permits drones to spray pesticides at a maximum height of 20 feet without any notification. The height restriction should allow farmers to more accurately spray at targeted locations using less pesticides.

Farmers and beekeepers, who are usually hand in hand on most issues, have varying stances on this bill. Farmers see it as a way to improve efficiency, while beekeepers view it as a threat to their apiaries.

During the Senate session, Sen. Debra Altschiller proposed an amendment that asked pesticide applicators using drones to notify those around the farmlands, but it was quickly voted down.

In support of the bill, Sen. Pearl said notifying abutters could rob farmers of valuable time needed to save their crops in case of a fungal outbreak that needs to be managed quickly. Otherwise, it could spread to a larger area of the field.

“The ability to move quickly and precisely, is extremely important to our agriculture community,” said Pearl. “This is very targeted and the way it will be used.”

When beekeepers receive notice of pesticide spraying and schedules, they take proactive measures to safeguard their hives. One method involves relocating the hives out of the way. Alternatively, they shield the hives upon the bees’ return by draping them with a damp sheet or burlap, ensuring proper ventilation. Once the pesticide is applied, the protective barrier is removed.

James Meinecke, who owns Lewis Farm in Concord, said that those who have a pesticide license in New Hampshire are made aware of how pesticides work and their effects on pollinators like bees.

“Beekeepers and farmers have to exist together,” Meinecke said, adding giving notification at least 14 days before applying pesticides does not help farmers remain resilient.

Instead, he suggests working together with beekeepers in the area.

“If it is growing season and if you have bees in the area, let me know so we can discuss what’s going on and when we’re spraying,” said Meinecke. “It sounds like a neighbor problem, not an actual agriculture or state problem or pesticide problem or a drone problem. I’m sorry we can’t keep regulating things and expect we’re gonna have food at the grocery store.”

McKeen, also serving as the president of the New Hampshire Bee Keeper Association, emphasizes the importance of responsible pesticide application among farmers. While acknowledging that most farmers adhere to instructions on pesticide packaging and are responsible, she advocates for stringent laws and regulations to ensure a level playing field.

“Our beef is not against our farmers using pesticides to control the problems that they have in their fields. We are not against drones, we are for the proper notice,” she said.