Better broadband ‘crucial’ for farmers – commissioner

Faster broadband connections are vital if rural businesses are to prosper, European farm commissioner Phil Hogan has warned.

Mr Hogan made the comment during a speech at Ireland’s National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, County Laios.

“We know access to reliable, high-speed internet connections will be absolutely crucial if rural areas are to thrive in the 21st century,” he said.

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The rural economy and social infrastructure of countryside communities would be enhanced by new technology, Mr Hogan added.

“In agriculture, farmers will benefit from new technologies such as increased use of sensors to track animal health and improve crop yields.

“This data can be relayed directly to their home computer or mobile phone, freeing farmers up to do other vital work.”

The wider rural community would see benefits from faster internet connections too – including for health and education, said Mr Hogan.

The European Commission had recognised the importance of rural broadband roll-out, and has prioritised it in the EU Digital Single Market package.

The ambition was to close the digital gap between urban and rural areas, by providing fast or ultra-fast broadband across the EU by 2020.

Mr Hogan told listeners: “These are not just lofty words: we are adding real value by putting our money where our mouths are.”

Roughly €21.4bn from five EU structural and investment funds would be devoted to information and communication technologies.

Within this, approximately €6.4bn would finance the roll-out of high-speed broadband.

From the CAP budget, the estimated contribution from rural development funding would be €1.6-2bn, said Mr Hogan.

“This money will, among other things, help to prepare communities throughout the EU by providing training so they are ready to make the most of connectivity when it is in place.”