An oilseed rape de-risking partnership has re-opened for harvest 2026 with additional support for companion crops.

Agronomy firm Frontier Agriculture is expanding its oilseed rape scheme which offers a unique risk management opportunity.

It ensures growers who fulfil the requirements only pay for oilseed rape crops which survive the establishment window.

New for this year, however, is the addition of greater risk management support for companion crops.

See also: 3 establishment tips for growers sowing OSR early this year

This comes following the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, which historically awarded payments for companion cropping under the IPM3 action, explains Frontier sustainability manager Jim Knightbraid.

“This was an important incentive for growers who wanted to include oilseed rape in the rotation, as companion crops can be a valuable tool for aiding establishment.

“Our unique position in the market means we can widen our offer of support to fill that funding gap,” he says.

Scheme benefits include upfront cost savings of about £90/ha on oilseed rape seed and £33/ha on the associated companion crop seed.

The scheme also includes a non-defaultable produce-of-area contract with a range of marketing options, as well as the option to upgrade into a privately funded programme that rewards more sustainable farming practices, subject to availability.

Under the expanded scheme, Frontier will:

• Remove the upfront cost of oilseed rape and accompanying companion crop seed
• Waive the oilseed rape and companion crop seed cost for any hectares that fail to establish by 31 October 2025
• Set the payment date for companion crop seed and oilseed rape seed which successfully establishes to 12 months following delivery
• Provide a range of industry-leading hybrid double-low and companion crops to choose from
• Offer flexibility in how to market and price the oilseed rape produced by the enrolled hectares.

Last year

Last year saw more than 3,300ha entered into the scheme, with 10% of growers claiming for some or all of their crop area.

While the season was generally a more positive one in terms of crop establishment, with an overall crop failure rate of just 3.9% of the enrolled hectares, it meant growers had the guarantee of their seed costs being covered through the partnership.

As before, the scheme also ensures growers have access to advice from Frontier’s specialists across agronomy, environmental crop management and grain marketing.

Growers on the scheme will be able to take advice on everything from oilseed rape variety selection through to establishment, inputs and marketing.

“We want to ensure our customers make the most of the strong market opportunities that are available, and to do that, oilseed rape needs to be a commercially sustainable option on farm,” notes Jim.

Growers interested in the de-risking partnership can commit via their Frontier farm trader or agronomist, or can express their interest by emailing info@frontierag.co.uk or calling 0800 227445.