Two-thirds of farmers are stuck with slow broadband, according to a series of studies by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The surveys questioned farmers on their computer usage during 2012 and discovered that just 32 per cent had access to speeds of higher than 2Mbps, while six per cent were still relying on dial-up technology, reports Farmers Weekly.

As far as the government is concerned, 2Mbps is the minimum acceptable speed for broadband. It is aiming to make these rates available to every home and business as part of its attempt to deliver the best super-fast broadband network in Europe.

Some 90 per cent of respondents to the Defra studies used the web for business purposes, such as to submit PAYE forms and access online banking services.

However, many felt held back from making greater use of the internet by their slow broadband, with 50 per cent saying they would do more online if they had a faster connection.

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