GROWING SUSSEX
Advancing technology and data driven decision making in food, drink and plant production

ABOUT THE PROJECT

GROWING SUSSEX:
innovation to transform food, wine and plant production using digital technologies

Growing Sussex is an exciting project to co-develop and showcase foundational technology use cases, using 5G, IoT and AI with telecoms and technology partners, education centres and commercial producers.

The use cases will test how digital technology and applications using devices such as sensors, monitors, drones and cameras can develop future farming and growing practices.

These succesful implementations can increase sustainable food, drink and plant productivity helping to achieve food security, reduce carbon and maximise energy efficiency.

Decorative image showing a large “5G” text overlay on a rural landscape with digital wireframe lines and glowing grid patterns, symbolizing advanced technology and connectivity in smart farming.

Integration of advanced wireless technology

Person holding a crate labeled “dps agriculture” filled with multiple containers of freshly picked strawberries inside a greenhouse.

Fostering the next generation of growers

Decorative image showing a rural landscape with digital wireframe lines and glowing grid patterns, symbolizing advanced technology and connectivity in smart farming.

Creating a scalable model for larger adoption

A person in a greenhouse leans over a planting tray, carefully placing seeds in soil while surrounded by small pots, plants, and gardening tools. The word “IoT” (Internet of Things) is overlaid in large translucent letters, suggesting the integration of technology with agriculture.

Enabling sustainable food

Growing Sussex explores the integration of advanced wireless technology in growing practices improving productivity, yields and profitability.

By putting digital education front and centre, a highly qualified, digitally skilled workforce can utilise tools and skills to transform local businesses enabling them to thrive in the digital age.

about the project

THE IMPACT

Data driven decision making supporting food and drink growing practice

We will create a model of 5G adoption that is repeatable in growing sector locations across the UK in ‘real life’ growing environments. This will enable British Growers to produce food and drink more efficiently and sustainably in line with the Government’s Food Strategy.

Food security and efficient processes

Implementation of AI and 5G technologies leads to more efficient food production, contributing to food security and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

The initiative supports economic development by creating new jobs and upskilling the workforce in digital and technological competentices relevant to modern agriculture.

Carbon footprint Reduction

Advanced technologies help reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, aligning with environmental goals and regulations.

A red solid circle surrounded by green outlined circles arranged in a grid on a dark background, symbolizing a central successful model that can be scaled and replicated across broader agricultural settings

Scalable Model for larger Adoption

By demonstrating tangible benefits, Growing Sussex provides a replicable model for 5G adoption in agriculture across the UK, accommodating various agricultural practices and regional needs.

PARTNERSHIPS

Strong partnerships for lasting and resilient change

Growing Sussex partners with industry leaders, technology providers and local producers to drive a new era of sustainable farming.

Putting education at the heart of our approach will ensure the workforce is expectant of using technology and data driven decision making in the workplace, be it glass house, field or vineyard.