Erucic acid - what's the latest?

Oilseed rape flower in close up_13622

Do we know what's causing the issue?

The NFU is working with the rest of the supply chain to try and identify the cause of the problem but with a number of variables at play it is proving challenging. With this aim in mind the supply chain has put together a questionnaire to gather data from effected growers, hence ensuring the same information is collected across the industry. We are looking to collect information on the seed, crop production, harvest and storage.

The questionnaire can be accessed here and will also be distributed by merchants.

All information is given confidentially and AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds have agreed to independently analyse the data.

Completed questionnaires should be sent in the first instance to combinablecropsboard@nfu.org.uk

What steps can I take to mitigate my losses?

You should take steps to mitigate your losses for example, by making other arrangements, as grain merchants can work with you to find other outlets for the OSR. We would also encourage you to please keep your own samples and any documentary evidence, such as receipts, contracts, invoices, evidence of the erucic acid level this seed tested at and any other correspondence relating to both the purchase of the seed and your attempted sale of the OSR.

  • If you doubt the levels of erucic acid detected in your delivery ask your merchant for an independent retest
  • If you used 2015 harvested farm saved seed for planting in 2015 (i.e. the crop harvested in 2016), you may want to consider getting a sample of that seed tested
  • If you used certified seed in 2015 you should ask the seed merchant to confirm and prove the erucic acid level of the seed supplied was under 2% - seed merchants should have samples but if not these could be available from APHA.
  • You should consider testing and retaining a sample of any farm saved seed which is planted in 2016 and harvested in 2017.
  • You should keep samples and labels from each lot number of certified seed planted on the farm in 2016 and ask your seed supplier for evidence of the erucic acid level this seed tested at.

Can I challenge the penalties applied to my crop?

 If you wish to challenge a penalty check the procedure detailed on your own contract, but for OSR this is usually done using the arbitration process. Strict time limits apply to this so you may need to be ready to act quickly.

More information on all of the above is available in the attached NFU briefing and from NFU CallFirst (0370 845 8458).