Frontier Agriculture has expanded its oilseed rape (OSR) risk management portfolio for harvest 2027 with the launch of a new OSR establishment risk share scheme.
The initiative follows the success of Frontier’s original OSR de-risking partnership, first launched in 2024, which has supported more than 200 growers across 11,000 hectares and relieved over £1 million of financial risk.
Oilseed rape remains an important rotational crop for UK growers, particularly after two seasons of improved establishment and stronger yields. However, unpredictable weather and pest pressure, especially cabbage stem flea beetle, continue to make establishment a key commercial risk.
Frontier says the expanded offer is designed to give farmers more confidence to keep OSR in the rotation, with support tailored to different approaches to crop management and risk.
Two risk management options
The new establishment risk share has been developed in response to grower feedback. While some farmers value the complete risk removal provided by Frontier’s original partnership, others want greater operational autonomy, including the option to use independent or in-house agronomy while still sharing financial risk during establishment.
“OSR establishment remains challenging, and when growers shoulder much of that risk alone, justifying the crop commercially can be difficult,” says Jim Knightbraid, head of customer proposition at Frontier.
“Building on the success of our original de-risking partnership, the new establishment risk share gives greater confidence in OSR planting for harvest 2027. Frontier bears a share of the financial burden while catering to different farm management setups and risk preferences.”
OSR establishment risk share
The new 50% risk share option is designed for growers who want financial protection against crop failure without needing to use Frontier agronomy services.
To participate, growers must buy an approved Frontier OSR seed variety, sow between 15 July and 15 September, establish an approved companion crop mix alongside the OSR, and sell the grain on a linked produce-of-area contract.
Agronomic advice remains available for growers who want support with establishment, crop management or failed establishment situations.
OSR de-risking partnership
Frontier’s existing de-risking partnership continues to offer 100% risk removal against crop failure, combined with agronomic advice to help maximise crop performance.
Growers must use, or agree to use, Frontier agronomy for the committed OSR crop; purchase an approved hybrid OSR seed variety; sow between 15 July and 15 September; establish an approved companion crop mix; and sell the grain on a linked produce-of-area contract.
Flexible support
Both schemes include no upfront payment for OSR or companion crop seed, a range of grain marketing options, and companion crop mixes tailored to satisfy Sustainable Farming Incentive requirements.
Availability
Registrations for both harvest 2027 OSR risk management schemes are now open.
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