Frontier launches 50% OSR risk-share scheme for 2027

Oilseed rape growers are being offered 50% protection against establishment failure under a new Frontier Agriculture scheme for the 2027 harvest.

The new OSR establishment risk share gives growers financial backing without requiring them to use Frontier agronomy, allowing those with independent or in-house advice to retain greater control over crop management.

It will sit alongside Frontier’s existing OSR de-risking partnership, which the company describes as offering 100% risk removal and includes use of its agronomy service.

The original programme, launched in 2024, has supported more than 200 growers across 11,000 hectares and relieved over £1 million of financial risk, according to Frontier.

Frontier said the expanded offer follows two years of stronger OSR establishment and improving yields, with many growers achieving production above the five-year average.

However, establishment remains vulnerable to unpredictable weather and pest pressure, particularly cabbage stem flea beetle.

Jim Knightbraid, head of customer proposition at Frontier, said: “OSR establishment remains challenging, and when growers shoulder much of that risk alone, justifying the crop commercially can be difficult.”

The new 50% risk-share option is designed for growers seeking financial protection against establishment failure while continuing to use their own agronomy arrangements.

To take part, growers must buy one of Frontier’s approved OSR seed varieties and drill the crop between 15 July and 15 September.

They must also sow an approved companion crop mix alongside the contracted OSR and sell the grain through a linked produce of area contract.

Frontier said agronomic support would still be available to growers who want advice on establishment, crop management or a failed crop.

Knightbraid said the new option had been developed to reflect differing levels of risk appetite and farm management.

He said: “Building on that success, our new establishment risk share gives greater confidence in OSR planting for harvest 2027.”

Frontier’s existing de-risking partnership will also remain available for harvest 2027.

Growers entering that scheme must use, or agree to use, Frontier’s agronomy service for the OSR crop covered by the agreement.

They must also buy an approved hybrid OSR variety, drill between 15 July and 15 September, use an approved companion crop mix and market the grain through a linked produce of area contract.

Frontier said both schemes offer no upfront payment for OSR or companion crop seed, alongside a range of grain marketing options.

Companion crop mixes can also be tailored to meet Sustainable Farming Incentive requirements.

Registrations for both schemes are now open for harvest 2027.

Growers are being encouraged to assess whether the 50% risk-share option or the full de-risking partnership better suits their agronomy arrangements and appetite for establishment risk.