With drones, Diageo, the maker of Don Julio and Casamigos tequilas, is advancing innovation at its agave fields in Jalisco, Mexico. After a successful test in 2022, Diageo has begun using drones to improve the skills of its agave planters, promote environmental advantages, and prepare them for the future of the tequila sector, which is constantly expanding.
Drones have been used to determine which agave plants require the pesticide and fertilizer water mix and how much since mid-2022. This ensures that limited water resources are utilized only where necessary and increases the efficiency of agave farming. The drones operate in pairs, with one identifying the plants that require care and gathering data on the agave plants’ progress. The other sprays a special water fertilizer and pesticide mixture where it is needed at night when the stomata are open.
The gathering of data has aided agave planters in making wiser resource-use decisions. The ability of the drones to fly above Diageo’s agave fields reduces the number of tractors required to traverse the area, which has the added advantage of lowering carbon emissions. Thanks to drones, agave farmers may now spend more time cultivating and planting fresh agave. “We’re tremendously delighted to be using drones across our agave farming to increase efficiency in our agriculture operations while leading our industry in innovation and technological adoption,” said Wellington Pauperio, Director for Supply Tequila & Mezcal at Diageo.
Drone-assisted efficiency and precision farming initiatives support Diageo’s 2030 ESG action plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress. As the world’s top tequila manufacturer, Diageo claimed that its tequila business climbed by 28% in its half-year results, released in January 2023. Using drones on Diageo’s agave fields is evidence of the company’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. Drone usage has increased agricultural enterprises’ efficiency while setting industry standards for technological adoption and environmental protection.
Photo by Zyanya BMO on Unsplash
