The first large export of oilseed rape from harvest 2012 got underway from Lingrain’s port side facility at Boston this week.

Loading of the 2,200 tonne capacity MV Union Topaz began on Monday, 30th July with the cargo destined for Rotterdam.

Adrian Morrell of marketing agent Openfield said this marked the start to another campaign for the UK’s largest exporter of agricultural commodities and would be one of many cargoes scheduled for the coming year from its 12 ports around the UK.

“We’re pleased to be off to a good start in what has been a challenging growing season for the majority of UK growers.  Export facilities like that at Boston and at our other ports around the UK are fundamental in supporting our desire to connect the UK farmer with consumers across Europe.

“Without these port facilities we would not be able to access valuable export markets and secure top prices for our customers,” added Adrian Morrell.

Openfield head of oilseed rape John Thorpe reports that despite the delay to harvest, initial reports suggest the UK oilseed rape harvest is likely to disappoint many after last year's record crop.

“It’s fair to say that 2012 has been a very difficult growing season with an abnormal weather pattern throughout the period, raising questions as to yield and quality. With only 10-15% of the oilseed rape area harvested so far, there is still a lot of uncertainty as to the crop outcome.”

While crop performance is unlikely to match that of 2011, John Thorpe believes that the crop will be closer to the five-year average.

“Of the early crop we have seen so far it is fair to say that quality is not as good as last year with average yields in the region of 3.1t/ha-3.5t/ha,” 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 3 million tonnes,” he added.