Higher prices mean the UK oilseed rape area could increase by 8-10% this autumn, Chris Baldwin of United Oilseeds predicts.

“I think there will be quite a big swing back to oilseed rape. It’s important to get seed ordered early, as some varieties could be short this autumn.”

Those likely to prove popular include Flash, Komando, Castille and Excalibur, he says.

Mr Baldwin also thinks that currency fluctuations could lead to a price rise for some imported seed.