At Fox Covert Farm, we are always looking for new ways to farm sustainably while creating high-quality Irish products. One of the biggest innovations on our farm in recent years has been the introduction of hemp farming and the development of our own hemp-based food products.
What began as a diversification project has now become an important part of our farm and our future.
Like many Irish farms, diversification has become increasingly important. Helen Bracken, who previously worked in insurance and engineering, began exploring new opportunities during the Covid pandemic and turned her attention back to the family farm. Hemp quickly stood out as a crop with huge potential.
Hemp is a versatile and sustainable crop that fits naturally into our tillage rotation. At Fox Covert Farm, we typically grow between 10 and 18 acres of hemp each year alongside crops such as barley, maize, and oilseed rape.
The crop helps improve rotation systems while also opening new business opportunities through value-added food products.
Industrial hemp has gained significant attention in Ireland due to its environmental and nutritional benefits. It grows well in the Irish climate, requires relatively low chemical input, and can help improve soil health within crop rotations.
Hemp is also known for its fast growth and ability to compete naturally with weeds, making it an attractive crop for sustainable farming systems.
For us at Fox Covert Farm, hemp aligns perfectly with our focus on environmentally responsible farming practices.
One of the most exciting developments has been processing hemp directly on the farm. Rather than simply growing the crop, we now process and produce hemp food products that are sold through supermarkets and health shops across the Midlands.
Our hemp products are valued for their nutritional qualities. Hemp seeds are naturally rich in fibre, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, making them popular among health-conscious consumers.
We are passionate about producing natural Irish-grown food products while keeping the process as local and transparent as possible.
The Irish hemp industry is still developing, but there is growing interest in the crop across agriculture, food, and sustainability sectors. Hemp has the potential to support more environmentally friendly farming while also creating new revenue streams for Irish farms.
At Fox Covert Farm, we believe innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand. Hemp has allowed us to add value to our farm, create new products, and continue evolving as a modern Irish farming business.
As we continue to grow, we are excited about the future possibilities for hemp farming in Ireland and proud to play a small part in helping develop the industry.
