Poor rural connectivity is hindering UK food production, survey shows

The findings of the survey are based on the responses of 814 farmers and growers who were surveyed between 14 Dec 2022 to 24 Feb 2023.

Despite various essential farm and business operations relying on strong connectivity, only 21% of respondents reported to have access to reliable mobile signals across their whole farm, and fewer than half reported broadband speeds which are adequate for their business needs.

Whereas, one in twenty farmers said they have no reliable outdoor mobile signal on their farm, which is a major concern for farmer health and safety.

Moreover, solid internet and mobile connectivity is essential for farmers to be able to comply with UK regulations, submit VAT returns, use GPS equipment on tractors and talk to customers.

To improve digital infrastructure in rural areas, the NFU is calling for the Shared Rural Network to remain a government priority and be finished by 2025; broadband schemes to apply to all types of broadband access; and more support for farmers to access digital skills training specific to agriculture.

NFU vice president David Exwood said: “In a time when food security is so prevalent on the government’s agenda, we need to produce more of what we do well here. This means being as efficient and productive as possible, and access to the internet is vital for businesses to do this.”

Although access to superfast broadband has increased slightly in rural areas over the past year, Mr Exwood said it is ‘unacceptable’ that four out of five growers do not have reliable mobile signals on their farm.

He pointed out this not only hampers the efficient running of rural businesses, but also poses a risk to farmers who are left without a means of communication during times of crisis.

“Ultimately, this lack of access is preventing UK farmers and growers from doing what they do best – producing homegrown, climate-friendly, and affordable food,” he added.

“Our results show that we need a really concentrated effort from the government and telecommunications industry to reach the most remote areas still without coverage if we want to achieve the Shared Rural Network’s aim to deliver 4G connectivity across the UK by 2025.

“While the introduction of 5G to some rural areas is encouraging, as it supports the introduction of new technologies and more productive business practices on farm, this year’s survey shows that connectivity is only increasingly slowly, and the farming industry is still lagging significantly behind the rest of the country,” Mr said.

He added the NFU will continue to campaign for investment in the country’s digital technology infrastructure, as well as appropriate training and schemes for growers so they can help the government meet its climate and net zero targets.