Public Policy forum looks at lack of broadband in farming communities

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- West Hills Community College District is partnering with numerous agencies to tackle the lack of internet access in rural and farm communities.

The district hosted a Public Policy Forum on at the Harris Ranch Conference Center in Coalinga. It was focused on creating the nation's first ag-based broadband pilot.

According to a recent study by West Hills College Farm of the Future, only 43-percent of the rural population in Fresno and Kings counties has access to broadband internet. The study also indicates that nearly 71-percent of growers and producers in the college's service area are impeded by lack of broadband access and weak cellular connections.

The goal is to create a proposal further defining the challenges and then to find funding.