Hemp crop targeted by thieves (From Western Telegraph)

Hemp crop targeted by thieves

THE changing face of farming has taken a bit of a battering recently, from more than just the weather, as thieves yet again targeted an organic herb farm. near St Justinian, St Davids.

The smallholding, just outside Clegyr Boia Farm, grows a selection of herbs, including hemp, and it's that which seems to have attracted the unwanted attention of thieves. Magda Piessens, from Trefin, has been farming herbs for eight years and is a little tired of misinformed people stealing her crop.

"This crop that I am growing has been grown for centuries. "It's not what they think it is. What they think I am growing cannot be grown here, it's just not possible, there's not the right climate and it's also illegal," Ms Piessens explained.

Hemp, which is a variety of the plant cannabis sativa, is substantially different from its brother plant, marijuana, containing a considerably lower amount of the narcotic substance within the plant.

Hemp is farmed for the harvest of its valuable pulp, fibre and grain, Ms Piessens said: "These seeds are used in bird food, and pharmaceuticals and even in human food." The distinction between hemp and marijuana has only been realised in the last ten years and it's the lack of public awareness that Ms Piessens is worried about.

"Farmers have to go into a different market, especially here in Pembrokeshire. This is a very good alternative crop for farmers and I do not want it to be jeopardised by some silly billies in society." she said.

Police are appealing for help in the latest incident that occurred sometime between Saturday, September 6th and Monday, September 8th.

The trespasser entered Ms Piessens shed and caravan, stealing two pairs of secateurs, a pair of overalls and a quantity of hemp. Anyone with information is asked to contact Fishguard Police on 01348 873225.