Let’s Bring Back Britain’s Yellow Fields
Many will remember car journey’s of yesteryear; passing vast fields of yellow along the way, arriving at your destination, the windscreen covered in insects collected along the journey. Sadly, this no longer seems to be the case.
You may have read about the disappearance of the UK’s golden fields of oilseed rape (OSR), but this issue goes beyond just the landscape and nostalgic car journeys. It’s about fairness for British farmers, food security, and protecting our pollinators.
Right now, the UK is importing what it could grow at home, often from countries using pesticides that our own farmers are banned from using.
This doesn’t have to be the future. By supporting efforts to revive UK oilseed rape production, we can help farmers compete, reduce reliance on imports, and restore an essential food source for our wildlife.
Together, we can bring back those yellow fields and all the benefits they bring!
A Lifeline for Pollinators
OSR flowers provide an essential early-season source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators. The decline in OSR cultivation has reduced this vital food supply, contributing to the alarming 24% decrease in pollinator distribution since 1980.
Pollinators are essential for crops like oilseed rape, apples, strawberries, and beans, with the economic value of insect pollination to UK agriculture estimated at over £690 million annually.
Reviving OSR farming is crucial to support these indispensable creatures and maintain biodiversity.
Safeguarding Our Food Supply
While olive oil tends to steal the headlines, often due to price rises, it's rapeseed oil that is the UK's most consumed edible oil, by some way, accounting for 40% of total demand.
Historically, the UK was self-sufficient in OSR production, but now we produce just one third of what we consume, relying heavily on imports. This dependency exposes us to global market fluctuations and threatens our food security.
Reinvigorating domestic OSR cultivation is essential to reduce this vulnerability.
Boosting Economic Growth
The shift from being the world's fifth-largest OSR exporter to a net importer has resulted in an estimated £1 billion loss to the UK economy each year. For perspective, the UK farming budget is currently £2.3 billion.
This decline affects not only farmers but also the broader agricultural industry, including processors, retailers, and rural communities.
Restoring OSR production can stimulate economic growth and create jobs and security across the whole supply chain.
How You Can Help Bring Back Britain’s Yellow Fields?
The decline of UK oilseed rape isn’t just a problem for farmers, it affects our food security, the environment, and the wider economy.
But there are simple ways everyone can help support a fairer future for British farming.
#OSRReboot #BringBackYellowFields #BackBritishFarming
1. Buy British & Look for UK-Grown Oils
Many everyday products, from cooking oils to salad dressings and even mayonnaise, contain vegetable oils. When shopping, look for rapeseed oil made in the UK instead of imported alternatives like palm or sunflower oil. Supporting British produce helps farmers and reduces reliance on imports.
✅ Tip: Many UK-produced rapeseed oils proudly display the Red Tractor logo—keep an eye out for it!
2. Spread the Word
The more people who understand the issue, the greater the chance for change. Talk to friends and family, share posts on social media, or encourage local businesses and restaurants to use British-grown rapeseed oil.
✅ Join the conversation: Use hashtags like #OSRReboot #BackBritishFarming and #BringBackYellowFields when posting online.
3. Support British Farmers at the Supermarket
Whenever possible, choose British-grown foods, especially those that rely on homegrown crops like rapeseed. Many dairy, meat, and poultry products also depend on UK-grown animal feed, much of which used to come from domestic OSR.
✅ Look for: British meats, eggs, and dairy with traceable UK supply chains.
4. Encourage Sustainable Farming Practices
Farmers need support, not obstacles. Many are already adopting sustainable practices such as companion cropping and wildflower margins to protect biodiversity. By backing UK-grown produce, you’re helping ensure these practices remain viable.
✅ Tip: If you have a garden, consider planting pollinator-friendly flowers to help support bees and other vital insects.
5. Write to Your MP
If you feel strongly about fairer policies for British farmers, consider writing to your MP. Let them know you support measures that:
✅ Create a level playing field so UK farmers aren’t disadvantaged by unfair import rules.
✅ Support sustainable agriculture while protecting pollinators.
✅ Reduce reliance on imports to strengthen UK food security.
✅ How to do it: Find your MP’s contact details at www.writetothem.com, and send a short email expressing your concerns. Even a few sentences can make a difference!
Every Action Counts
From choosing British rapeseed oil to writing to your MP, small steps add up. By taking action, you’re helping to support British farmers, protect biodiversity, and secure a stronger future for UK agriculture.
Want to do more? Stay informed, share this message, and back initiatives that help bring back Britain’s yellow fields!
#OSRReboot #BringBackYellowFields #BackBritishFarming
Get the full picture with our short articles
OSR Reboot: Setting the Scene
The UK’s oilseed rape (OSR) sector is at a crossroads. Since the neonic ban, declining yields and rising imports have threatened domestic production. A collaborative #OSRReboot is essential to restore profitability, sustainability, and a level playing field.
OSR Reboot: Food Security
The UK’s food security is at risk as domestic rapeseed oil production declines. With just a third of UK consumption now homegrown, the OSR Reboot is vital to restoring self-sufficiency and safeguarding national resilience against global supply shocks.
OSR Reboot: Economic Growth
The UK’s shift from OSR exporter to major importer has cost nearly £1 billion annually. The OSR Reboot offers a path to economic recovery, boosting food security, supporting rural economies, and ensuring a fairer playing field for British farmers.
OSR Reboot: Biodiversity
The decline of UK pollinators demands action. Reviving OSR through the OSR Reboot can restore habitats, support biodiversity, and strengthen sustainable farming. Collaboration is key to balancing productivity with stewardship.
OSR Reboot: A Vital Break Crop
Oilseed rape (OSR) is more than a break crop—it’s vital for UK agriculture. From boosting soil health to enhancing food security and sustainability, OSR supports economic growth while reducing reliance on imports. Its revival is essential.
OSR Reboot beginning: Open Letter
James Warner’s open letter urges members to unite for the OSR Reboot, tackling key challenges in UK oilseed rape. He highlights innovation, collaboration, and policy changes needed to restore profitability and sustainability.
About United Oilseeds
Founded in 1966 by a small group of Hampshire farmers, United Oilseeds began with a mission to find an effective break crop from continuous barley growing. The co-operative was established to develop and market the valuable rapeseed crop on behalf of its farmer members.
Since then, we have grown into one of the UK’s largest and most successful specialist farmer co-operatives. Membership has expanded significantly, as has the popularity of oilseed rape, making United Oilseeds the first choice for farmers looking to market their crop, access high-quality seed, and receive expert advice on oilseed production.
We use our collective strength to negotiate on behalf of our members—securing the best opportunities in marketing, seed supply, and industry legislation. Our goal is to ensure our members are fully represented and receive the guidance they need on key issues affecting their crops.
By working together, we help British agriculture thrive. Join us and be part of a stronger future for UK farming.
For more information, contact us at [email protected] or follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn & Facebook.
