Frontier launches revamped OSR grower risk scheme

OSR growers will have two different options in Frontier’s revamped oilseed rape risk scheme, offering more flexibility over the level of risk and the use of in-house and independent agronomists.

Following the success of Frontier’s flagship OSR de-risking partnership first launched in 2024, the company is launching a second initiative: the OSR establishment risk share.

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.

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“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.

“Now entering its third year, our original de-risking partnership has supported over 200 growers across 11,000ha, relieving more than £1m of financial risk.

“Building on that success, our 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.”

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

1. 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 15 July and 15 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.

2. 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 the Frontier 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 15 July and 15 September
• Sow an approved companion crop mix alongside the contracted OSR
• Sell the grain on a linked produce of area contract.

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 Sustainable Farming Incentive requirements.

Registrations for both harvest 2027 OSR risk management schemes are now open.