OVER A quarter of growers plan to increase the area of oilseed rape grown next season, according to results of a survey by BASF.

Some 45% of farmers in England and Scotland said they would grow the same amount as this year, while 8% were undecided, the survey found.

The results suggest the area of winter oilseed rape next season could exceed this year’s record level, said the firm’s Diane Heath.

“This concurs with the recent HGCA [Home Grown Cereals Authority] plantings estimate that predicts an overall increase of 6%.”

It also highlights the value growers put on oilseed rape in the rotation as a profitable break crop, alternative to wheat and barley, or for those looking to a bioplant development, she said.

The survey also found that 37% of farmers are growing oilseed rape under contract, attracted by the guarantees and business stability that they offer, she said.

Some 10% used contracts to help cash flow, 9% because the buyer understood the market and 7% as part of a biodiesel scheme, results showed.