It was clear from the conference that the supply chain is keen to continue working together to tackle the important issues such as overcoming the issue of pest control and understanding the cause of elevated erucic acid levels.
Mike Hambly, NFU combinable crops board chairman, said:
“The NFU remains committed to oilseed rape and working together with the supply chain to tackle the issues faced by this crop, particularly production risks. The meeting identified some positive ways forward and it is reassuring to hear the supply chain is prepared to intensify its collaboration in the future.
"The NFU has been very fortunate to have the support of industry, including a huge amount from AHDB, and this will be vital as we progress.
“The really key issue that the industry has to address to restore confidence in oilseed rape is to overcome the issue of insect control on the crop. The problem is real and the problem is now. If it takes five years before we get integrated management systems it could be too late.
“The final thing I would like to take from this conference is the understanding in the importance of the issue of erucic acid and where the cause could lie. All of us in our own sectors should try and pick up on that point and feedback information from farmers to try and find out what the root cause is.
“If we take a longer term view, there is work to be done to establish more effective and more robust integrated control methods. While in the short term, we have clearly identified that there is an issue that needs addressing with oilseed rape.”
Check out @NFUtweets for additional content updated as the conference happened.
If you haven't read or signed up to our combinable crops newsletter, you can do so here.