Frontier Agriculture’s ‘Faba Project’ has seen the business open a secure market for human consumption beans through an exclusive contract, helping growers to manage risk, add further value to the supply chain and build more sustainable rotations.

By offering a guaranteed premium and linking in Frontier’s agronomy expertise and seed services, the contract will help growers build more resilience into their rotations – all while contributing to the supply of more home-grown protein that has significant export demand through the Tilbury Grain Terminal.

Speaking of the offer, Frontier commodity trader, Jessica Saunders explains: “Historically, the market for beans has been challenging due to varying yields and volatile markets, with growers turning to more secure sources of income such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

“Despite this, demand for high-quality protein remains, particularly as consumers look to reduce their carbon scoring and move away from reliance on imported products like soya.

“This presents an exciting opportunity for UK growers, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring this market to customers. Beans are often considered a great break crop because of the rotational benefits they provide, but now they can contribute to overall farm profitability too.”

The Faba Project follows the success of Frontier’s recent oilseed rape de-risking partnership , with the business providing growers with greater risk management support for profitable break crops that are often more difficult to grow.

Support with quality seed

To ensure flexibility of choice on the contract, growers can access two options for purchasing bean seeds.

The Lynx spring bean variety is available through Frontier’s certified seed portfolio – and includes quality testing for aschochyta and stem nematode. For this option, the seed invoice will be matched to the payment date of the beans to support on-farm cash flow.

For growers looking to use farm-saved seed, Frontier’s mobile seed cleaning specialists will offer complimentary stem nematode testing to help ensure quality and best results.

Regional seed manager, Chris Piggott, explains: “Soils, plants and seed can transfer these nematodes which can in turn impact the wider rotation, even in fields that were previously unaffected.

“There is no chemical control available to mitigate the risk in the field, so managing its impact means growers need to ensure their seed is clean and of the best quality before planting to prevent any chance of infestation.”

Agronomy support to maximise rotational benefits

As well as access to a secure market and support with seed, contracted growers will also benefit from the expertise of Frontier’s agronomists to help deliver optimum yield and quality.

Beans can be a challenging crop to grow commercially – especially for human consumption – however, with increased attention to detail combined with appropriate, holistic agronomy advice and solutions, they can have a positive impact on a farm’s rotation.

When used alongside wheat for example, based on PGRO and industry data, beans have been shown to deliver a yield boost of up to 1t/ha, equating to an estimated £180 in additional income per hectare.

Beans also fix large amounts of nitrogen; leaving up to 70kg of residual N/ha for a following wheat crop. This reduces the reliance on applied product, often leading to significant on-farm savings.

Their deep, strong tap root system is great for soil structure, field drainage and water infiltration, and because they are considered ‘non-hosts’ for some of the major cereal diseases like Take-all, they also provide a highly effective disease break to help following crops stand the best chance. Spring beans can form part of an excellent grassweed control strategy too.

Jessica adds: “Supporting our growers with the attention to detail required to grow quality beans is important – we want to ensure our customers stand every chance of success and help them make the most of this exciting market.”

Growers interested in Frontier’s Faba Project can commit via their farm trader or agronomist, or express their interest by sending mail to:info@frontierag.co.uk or calling 0800 227 445.