C. Oregon drone business is taking off

Drones have been a controversial subject, but business focuses on them is on the rise.

Paradigm ISR in Bend is developing drones for uses from agriculture to search and rescue. The company just received a $60,000 grant from the Bend-based nonprofit SOAROregon, one of five such grants aimed at creating jobs and stimulating innovation.

The grant will help Paradigm collect and analyze pest management data for agricultural crops.

Paradigm officials believe area farmers will appreciate the use of drones in the field.

“That’s it’s going to save them money, in terms of what they put onto their fields,” said David Blair, director of business development for Paradigm ISR. “In terms of water, pesticides, fertilizers and improves their yield, we think agriculture will move to this technology.”

Blair told NewsChannel 21 if the technology lifts off, Oregon is very well-positioned to become a national leader in this field. At this point they’re still in the testing phase, but the industry as a whole seems to be taking off.