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NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts says, in response to the government’s consultation on access to broadband in very hard to reach areas, that improving digital connectivity opens up opportunities for food producing businesses and ensures they can play their part in the government’s green growth ambition.

NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts said: “Good internet connections are so important for a whole range of tasks on the farm – everything from banking to managing suppliers and logistics – as well as for health and well-being.”

Huge Connectivity Issues

Our members have told use that poor connectivity is a huge issue and they still don’t have adequate fast and reliable broadband in order to run a modern-day farming business. This puts a huge drain on time and efficiency.

Stuart explained, “Investment in rural Britain not only brings about obvious benefits to food production but can have massive benefits for the whole country. It’s vital the government’s levelling up agenda also focuses on rural Britain and puts farmers in a position to be able to run modern businesses which are increasingly reliant on decent broadband. This then delivers back to the wider rural economy creating jobs and boosting economic growth.”

Alternative Solutions ?

Stuart went on, “A wider application of alternative broadband solutions, that can deliver good to average connection speeds for these very hard to reach rural areas, should be a priority. We also hope the government and the telecommunications industry will aim for total gigabit coverage in the future.”

“Farm businesses must meet their huge potential; not only by increasing their productivity as food producers but in helping to tackle climate change and delivering on our net zero ambitions.”

We will continue working with stakeholders within the Agricultural Productivity Task Force and others to campaign for investment in our country’s digital infrastructure.