Ep. 63 – Hemp Farming in Ireland – Freya Bartels

For the longest time I’ve wanted to learn about the hemp industry in Ireland, so I reached out to the Hemp Cooperative who suggested I chat to Freya Bartels, a hemp farmer based in Mayo. This is an area I know nothing about so I hope you’ll enjoy learning with me! If you’re interested in staying up to date with all things hemp farming, you can follow the co-op on Twitter @hempcooperative , Facebook or Instagram @hemp_cooperative_ireland, or support by becoming a member.

• [03:40] Getting to know Freya.
• [07:00] Permaculture, food forests, & community box schemes.
• [12:55] What hemp is.
• [15:15] How it’s grown.
• [18:25] How the carbon sequestration of hemp works.
• [21:55] The various uses of the varying types of hemp plants.
• [26:25] What kind of land the crop needs to grow on.
• [29:45] Uses for hemp in our food industry.
• [31:05] What is the hemp industry like in Ireland including challenges.
• [35:00] First thing you’d say to someone interested in farming hemp.
• [37:00] How can people who aren’t farmers help get hemp onto more acres here?
• [39:00] How the ‘Misuse of Drugs Act’ is affecting the industry.
• [45:45] Random Questions!

Also mentioned:

• WWOOFers – a volunteer network
• Community Box Schemes