Contrary to the rest of Europe, UK farmers have raised the area of oilseed rape planted this year. Though some ground has been saved for wheat. Origin Enterprises suggested winter oilseed rape plantings have risen 5 per cent in the UK, which could be a record.

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According to French analyst, Strategie grains, the rise in plantings is not being mirrored on the continent; German planting was last week revealed to be well down, as lamentable weather at harvest and throughout the growing season seriously affected the EU’s usual number one grower.

Reductions in planting have also been reported in Denmark, Romania and Bulgaria, following recalcitrant harvest conditions, which changed farmers’ minds. Prices for rapeseed have proven resilient despite the Eurozone crisis due to continued demand from the European biodiesel industry.

The rise follows a successful year for rapeseed throughout most of the UK; in the drought-stricken midlands, crops did surprisingly well despite early fears that the lowest levels of rains since the famous drought year of 17976 would hamper growing.

However, the increase in UK plantings has caused some concern over whether farmers are heeding best practice guidelines on rotation; a lack of rotation could encourage pests and, analysts have speculated, could result in greater pesticide use.