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Good news for oats growers | Incoming urea changes for English farmers
Plant-based drinks company becomes Red Tractor licensed for oats
This month, drinks company Framptons celebrated British arable farming by becoming Red Tractor licensed for their oat drinks, meaning the oats in their drinks range are British, responsibly sourced and fully traceable.
The oats are sourced through Robin Appel Ltd and the drinks will carry the Red Tractor logo on them.
Somerset-based Framptons has been a licensee for their dairy based products for a number of years, but this latest move recognises the Red Tractor British assured credentials of the oats and rapeseed oil in their products.
More than 80% of oat drinks sold in the UK are supplied by imports, so this is great news for the UK oat sector. Our UK oat growers are seeing the benefits of being Red Tractor assured and the extra opportunities it brings.
Industry self-regulation for using uninhibited urea fertiliser is coming soon in England and a new standard will be assessed across all Red Tractor sectors from April 1st.
Growers are reminded that uninhibited liquid and solid urea can only be used between 15 January and 31 March.
After 1 April, unprotected / uninhibited liquid urea can only be used with agronomic justification from a FACTS qualified advisor* until last application in the autumn, in accordance with RB209. Any solid urea applied after 1 April must be inhibited/protected only.
Industry partners fought hard for two years to achieve this robust and pragmatic industry-led approach. Defra had been clear that without this self-regulatory approach the industry faced an outright ban on the use of solid uninhibited urea fertilisers.
With a high level of compliance from farmers and growers, this self-regulated option not only promises cost-effectiveness but also aligns with Defra's emissions reduction objectives.
In terms of compliance, businesses found non-compliant with the standard covering the use of urea from 1 April 2024 will be required to undertake a new BASIS module: Reducing Ammonia Emissions.
This module, developed in collaboration with AIC, AICC, CLA, NIAB, Red Tractor, and the NFU, aims to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools to curtail ammonia emissions stemming from manufactured fertilisers. Featuring a blend of instructional material, including videos, audio, and interactive learning components, completion of the module should take approximately 45 minutes.
*FACTS qualified adviser being a member of the FACTS Professional Register- up to date with the CPD element of their FACTS certification.
Please note – this is only applicable to farmers in England and assessors will only look at urea applications made since 1 April 2024.
