Following the strong uptake and continued success of its flagship OSR de-risking partnership first launched in 2024 - which has now supported more than 200 growers across 11,000 hectares and relieved over £1 million of financial risk - Frontier is launching a second initiative: the OSR establishment risk share.

Frontier Agriculture has announced the expansion of its oilseed rape (OSR) risk management portfolio for harvest 2027. Following the strong uptake and continued success of its flagship OSR de-risking partnership, first launched in 2024, Frontier is launching a second initiative: the OSR establishment risk share.

Oilseed rape remains a vital rotational crop for UK farmers and growers have a real opportunity to capitalise around OSR in the rotation after two years of better establishment and improving yields, with many growers seeing production well above the five-year average.

Despite this momentum, unpredictable weather patterns and pest pressures, particularly cabbage stem flea beetle, continue to present establishment challenges. Frontier's expanded offerings ensure that farmers can confidently retain OSR in their rotations with tailored financial backing that fits their individual approach to risk.

Customer-first solutions for differing risk appetites

By listening to grower feedback, Frontier recognised that while many farmers value the complete risk-removal provided by the original partnership, others prefer greater operational autonomy- specifically the freedom to use independent or in-house agronomy while still sharing financial risk during crop establishment.

Two options for harvest 2027

Frontier is now offering two distinct risk-management options for the harvest 2027 season:

OSR establishment risk share (50% risk share)

Designed for growers who want financial protection against crop failure without a requirement to use Frontier agronomy services.

Growers taking part must fulfil three conditions:

• Purchase one of Frontier’s approved OSR seed varieties and sow the crop between 15th July and 15th September

• Sow an approved companion crop mix alongside the contracted OSR

• Sell the grain on a linked produce of area contract.

Agronomic advice is still readily available for growers who wish to discuss any aspect of establishment and crop management, as well as support around any failed establishment should that be the case.

OSR de-risking partnership (100% risk removal)

Offering greater peace-of-mind against crop failure teamed with expert agronomic advice on how to maximise OSR crop performance.

Growers taking part must fulfil four conditions:

• Currently use or agree to use Frontier’s agronomy service for the OSR crop committed to the scheme

• Purchase one of Frontier’s approved hybrid OSR seed varieties and sow the crop between 15th July and 15th September

• Sow an approved companion crop mix alongside the contracted OSR

• Sell the grain on a linked produce of area contract.

Sustainable benefits and flexible grain marketing

Both schemes feature no upfront payment for either OSR or companion crop seed, a wide range of grain marketing options, and companion crop mixes tailored to satisfy SFI requirements.

Availability

Registrations for both harvest 2027 OSR risk management schemes are now open. Growers are encouraged to speak to their local Frontier advisor, contact the technical team at 0800 227445, or email info@frontierag.co.uk for further information and guidance about what might work best for their specific farm.