First oilseed rape export of 2012 harvest leaves UK

The first export of the 2012 oilseed rape harvest has left the UK set for Rotterdam.

Loading of the 2,200t capacity MV Union Topaz began on Monday (30 July) at Lingrain’s port side facility at Boston this week.

Despite the delay to harvest, initial reports suggest the UK oilseed rape harvest is likely to disappoint many after last year’s record crop, said Openfield head of oilseed rape John Thorpe. It will be closer to the five-year average, he said.

“Looking forward, the outlook for oilseed rape is positive with good domestic and export demand, especially as Europe will again be the biggest global importer of oilseed rape at circa three million tonnes,” he added.