Private 5G networks to power smart food and wine production in West Sussex

The initiative is aiming to co-develop foundational 5G use cases, testing technologies like sensors, drones, and cameras that can ‘revolutionise’ farming practices and promote sustainable food production.

The announcement marks the next phase of the ‘Growing Sussex 5G Innovation Region’, a project aimed at driving sustainable food and drink productivity specifically through 5G technology. 

Boldyn Networks will design and build four high-bandwidth private 5G networks across two grower sites and participating colleges, to pilot technologies such as automation and real-time remote control and monitoring. The networks will launch in Q1 2025.

From autonomous tractors to advanced drones, the project aims to trial new innovations across the region’s agriculture sector, to increase the uptake of 5G technology in growing practices across the country and to improve productivity, yields and profitability.

The project – a consortium of West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Growers, Brighton University and commercial producers – has secured £3.8m in funding from the government's Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of its 5G Innovation Regions programme.

In a statement, Steve Waight, West Sussex County Council cabinet member with responsibility for Digital Infrastructure said: “Sussex provides a fertile environment for sustainable food and drink production, aligning with the government’s Food Strategy. By placing education at the core, we are equipping the workforce with digital skills to utilise modern technology across fields, farms, and vineyards.

“This approach not only supports local job creation in our key sectors but also broadens employment opportunities for students and workers, encouraging more to consider careers in horticulture, agriculture, and viticulture.”

The West Sussex horticulture sector generates £1bn in annual sales and employs 10,000 full time employees.

“5G will be a game-changer for growers across the region. It has the potential to give growers the tools to further improve the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of growing practices,” added Rachael Williams, West Sussex Growers’ Association.

“Through leveraging Boldyn Network’s technology – increased automation will provide better quality and timely data to enable improved decision-making to increase yields and productivity of home-grown fresh produce here in West Sussex. This project also has education at its heart, working together with our local colleges to update curriculums. Our aim is to develop the local workforce with the essential skills needed for commercial horticulture.”