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12.09.2025
Modern Digital Technologies in Agribusiness: Wartime Risks and Adaptation to New Realities
Bohdan Yaskiv, Senior Partner at TOTUM LF, Attorney-at-Law, PhD in Law (Source https://bit.ly/3JmU0AT)
Introduction
Robotic machinery and machine learning, IoT (Internet of Things), wireless sensor networks (WSN), cyber-physical systems, and artificial intelligence are no longer novelties for Ukrainian farmers. Modern digital solutions help optimize resource use, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Since the beginning of the war, the pace of technology implementation in the agricultural sector has slowed, yet working with the already available arsenal requires a clear understanding of the legal aspects of their application under current wartime conditions.
The Scope of Digital Technologies in Agriculture
Today, the implementation of digital technologies in the agricultural sector is very broad. Civilian drones are used for field monitoring, fertilizer and pesticide application, and land mapping. Autopilot systems in agricultural machinery improve accuracy, save fuel, and address labor shortages. IoT sensors measuring soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels significantly reduce resource consumption, lowering production costs and making products more competitive. AI technologies, capable of processing large datasets such as crop conditions, weather, and historical treatments, allow accurate yield forecasts, identification of crop threats, and optimization of fertilizer and nitrate use, which improves taste and quality. Blockchain technology ensures transparency, efficiency, and security in supply chains, enabling product traceability from farm to consumer.
Challenges and Risks
Despite many advantages, these technologies come with high costs, which become even more pressing in wartime. Ukrainian legislation remains underdeveloped in regulating digitalization in agriculture. For example, there is no specific law on UAVs, and their regulation still relies on outdated Air Code provisions. Issues also arise around data collection, cybersecurity, penalties for unauthorized flights, GDPR compliance for exports, weak internet coverage in rural areas, and shortages of technical specialists. Wartime restrictions further complicate the use of robotic machinery.
Using Drones in Agriculture under Martial Law
Currently, there is no unified procedure for issuing flight permits, and requirements vary depending on the region and authority (SBU, administration, Armed Forces). Unclear review timelines complicate planning, especially for seasonal work. Permits for agro-industrial purposes (monitoring, spraying, mapping) are more likely if they contribute to the economy or food security. UAVs weighing over 20 kg or used commercially must be registered in the State Register of Civil Aircraft. Drones under 20 kg for non-commercial use are not subject to registration, but commercial agricultural use requires permits.
Flight altitude limits: 120 meters maximum (unless specially authorized), at least 500 meters from aircraft, and 150 meters from gatherings of people. Registration with the National Drone Information System (KSID) and obtaining an operator ID are required. Operators must complete online training and certification (A1/A3). Additional manufacturer registration may also be useful.
In wartime, additional permits and approvals are required, especially near military facilities. Unauthorized flights can be treated as espionage. No-fly zones include nuclear plants, hydroelectric stations, military sites, airports, and hazardous industrial facilities. During martial law, restrictions expand to areas near the front line and strategic infrastructure. Maps of restricted zones are available on the State Aviation Service website and in specialized apps (e.g., DJI No Fly Zone Map).
The Importance of Digital Data Protection in Agribusiness
Farmers collect and process various categories of data: agronomic (IoT sensors, drones, satellite images), operational (machinery, logistics, ERP), client-related (buyers, suppliers, contracts, blockchain supply chains), and personal (neighbors, clients). Improper data protection can lead to contract disruptions, hacking, fines up to 17,000 UAH under Ukrainian law, and up to 2% of annual turnover under GDPR for EU exports.
Contracts with Technology Providers
Farmers should carefully manage contracts with suppliers of digital technologies—equipment, software, and service. Key contracts include: purchase agreements for equipment (drones, IoT, GPS, irrigation systems), licensing agreements for software-as-a-service (Cropio, AgriChain, OneSoil), and service agreements for technical maintenance. Each should include guarantees, terms of service, liability clauses, data protection, and availability of support.
Preventing Technological Failures
Common failures include drone malfunctions (GPS errors, sprayer breakdowns), IoT sensor inaccuracies, irrigation system failures, software prediction errors, hacking of IoT systems, and incompatibility issues. To mitigate risks, farmers should specify liability in contracts, insure equipment and software, document failures, test equipment before seasons, update software, use encryption, conduct cybersecurity audits, and implement NDAs with providers.
Conclusion
Digitalization of Ukrainian agribusiness has significant potential to increase efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability, especially under limited financial resources. It is important not only to maintain but to strengthen digitalization efforts through supportive state policies. Priority areas include fostering startups, developing local innovations, attracting investment, and ensuring transparent regulation. Despite wartime challenges, Ukrainian farmers continue to provide food security domestically and globally. Their resilience deserves support through both policy and innovation.
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