Moira Hart
Innovator
Wexford Lavender Farm
Ireland
Environmental
Farming
Remote rural areas
The innovation journey
Moira Hart is the owner and operator of Wexford Lavender Farm, located near Gorey in County Wexford, Ireland.
A family dairy farm since 1950, in 2013 the focus for Wexford Lavender Farm changed to mostly arable with lavender, beet and barley being grown.
The farm developed from Moira’s interest in flowers and gardening and the realisation that there were no commercial lavender farms in Ireland. She started out with two acres and now not only is it Ireland’s first dedicated lavender farm but also a bustling tourist attraction boasting a coffee shop, maze, woodland walk, quad barrel train ride, outdoor snakes and ladders, artists attic, as well as four acres of purple hued lavender fields.
The innovation impact
The farm consists of four acres of several varieties and colours of lavender. It is registered with the Organic Trust Ireland and is committed to sustainability. No artificial fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides are used on the lavender, as well over 7,000 lavender plants, thousands of bees and insect-friendly flowers, herbs, shrubs and trees have been planted around the farm. A local beekeeper keeps hives on the farm. To respond to the impact of climate change old tyres are used to replant lavender plants which aids drainage.
Moira distils lavender oils and converts them into a unique product range of oils, soaps and candles. These are sold in the farm gift shop as well as supplying other local shops. Several varieties of lavender plants are also available for purchase. Moira has instigated collaboration with local artisans for arts and crafts that reflect Ireland’s rich crafting heritage. By diversifying activities on the farm, Moira has increased sales, and tourism visitor numbers and has generated additional income streams and local employment opportunities.
Moira also holds age-friendly workshops for adults and children on the farm to further engage them in the values of sustainable organic farming and the uses of lavender in everyday life.