Bayer Joins Effort to Modernize Pesticide Spray Drift Model

The updated AGDISP model will better account for site-specific conditions and enable recognition of drift-reduction benefits of new application technologies.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Bayer Crop Science has joined an industry effort to modernize the AGDISP (Agricultural DISpersion) pesticide spray drift model developed by the U.S. Forest Service in the 1980s. The goal is to update the model with current computing technologies and enable incorporating environmental stewardship and precision agriculture practices into the EPA's pesticide registration process.

Why it matters

A modernized AGDISP can help regulators more accurately estimate potential spray drift, support drift-reduction techniques, and enable recognition of the benefits of new pesticide application technologies. This could incentivize farmers to adopt advanced tools and site-specific application methods to optimize pesticide use, environmental protection, and food production.

The details

The AGDISP Modernization Project (AMP) is leading the effort to rewrite the AGDISP model's coding using modern computer languages. AMP has raised $520,000 so far, including a $50,000 donation from Bayer, to update the publicly available and open-source model over the next five years.

  • The AGDISP model was originally developed by the U.S. Forest Service in the 1980s.
  • AMP was established three years ago to modernize the AGDISP model.
  • AMP is investing $600,000 over five years to complete the modernization project.

The players

Bayer Crop Science

A major agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology company that has joined the effort to modernize the AGDISP pesticide spray drift model.

AGDISP Modernization Project (AMP)

An industry group established by the National Agricultural Aviation Association to rewrite the coding of the AGDISP model using modern computer languages.

National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA)

The organization that established the AGDISP Modernization Project.

U.S. Forest Service

The government agency that originally developed the AGDISP pesticide spray drift model in the 1980s.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The regulatory agency that uses the AGDISP model to evaluate potential spray drift conditions and off-site deposition from liquid pesticide applications.

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What’s next

The AGDISP Modernization Project plans to complete the model updates over the next five years, using the $600,000 in funding raised so far.

The takeaway

The modernization of the AGDISP pesticide spray drift model will enable regulators to better account for site-specific conditions and recognize the benefits of new application technologies, incentivizing farmers to adopt advanced tools and practices that optimize pesticide use, environmental protection, and food production.