HEAR Crops

Kings, part of Frontier Agriculture, report a growing demand for HEAR - High Erucic Acid Rapeseed, where the end product, erucamide is used as a slip agent in the plastics, polymers and printing industries.

In essence, slip agents help prevent plastic bags and cling film from sticking together, and plastic mouldings come out of their formers more easily for products such as water bottle tops.

With the majority of the crop grown in the UK by Kings on contract for Croda, Richard Whitlock reports that the company is currently offering further contracts to UK growers for next season.

"There's an increasing demand for naturally produced slip agents and HEAR is one of the best means of delivering this," he says. "While HEAR crops typically yield 10-12% lower than standard double lows, this yield reduction is reflected in a premium price for the crop.

However, Marcant from KWS, the UK partner for German breeder NPZ Lembke, the most widely grown HEAR hybrid is closing the existing yield gap.

"In common with most hybrids it has good autumn vigour which helps with establishment before the winter frosts and pigeons arrive," says Richard. Over three years of trials, Marcant has outyielded its nearest rivals by at least 5%.