FARMERS AND crofters are being asked to comment on how broadband and connectivity has affected them and their businesses.

NFU Scotland are asking their members to fill out a connectivity survey which will help build a case to lobby for improved mobile and broadband connectivity for the industry.

Farming, crofting and diversified agri businesses rely on fast, reliable internet access and dependable mobile signal, yet NFU Scotland understand many businesses are being held back due to poor connections.

With so many services being forced to move onto an online platform, Covid-19 has exacerbated inequitable digital access and has amplified social, economic and technological exclusion of agricultural businesses.

Therefore, NFU Scotland is conducting this survey, which closes on Monday, January 4, 2021, to get a true picture of the problems that members across Scotland are facing in regards to their mobile and broadband connection, the impact it has on their business, and the barriers to improvement.

Chair of Legal and Technical Committee, Tom French, said: “Farmers and crofters need access to strong, reliable, and affordable broadband and mobile service for their businesses. We have seen during the pandemic the amount of services which went online, including participating in livestock sales at auction marts, attending local NFUS meetings or educational webinars, or simply keeping in touch with friends and family and heard the number of agricultural businesses which were limited or excluded from engaging in the these digital events," he continued.

“Agriculture will play a vital role in the Green Recovery from Covid-19. Access to reliable broadband will be key in supporting the sector adopt new technology and adapt to new ways of working, which is why we need to see improved digital connectivity across rural Scotland.

“With a strong response to this survey the Union will be well placed to lobby government for improved connectivity throughout rural Scotland.”

The survey is available to complete online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NFUS_Connectivity_2020 or for an offline copy, members are encouraged to contact NFUS directly.

All those who complete the survey will be entered in to a prize draw to receive a hamper of Scottish produce.