My name is Graham Sparrow and I started Sparrow’s Nest Organics in 2000, after purchasing a 70-acre farm just north of Edmonton. Born and raised in Calgary, by my early-twenties I was quickly losing interest in finishing my degree in Economics at the University of Calgary. I packed up my bicycle and camping gear for my trip to the UK for one year. I spent nine months in Ireland, where I traveled and worked for room and board on several small rural properties. I quickly became hooked on the concepts of self-sustainability, organics, and food production.

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When I think back to the beginning, in 2000, I recall my first CSA garden, for thirteen families, mostly friends and family, whom I browbeat into supporting those first meager production years. I owned no machinery for years. Everything was done by hand and with hand tools. Transplanting was done using a trowel, with a string to keep rows straight; potatoes were planted by hand along a trench, hilled by hand, dug by digging fork. I remember the first wash shed, with no lights, outdoors with only a roof. Water and power came by hose and a handy extension cord from the house. 

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My farm has evolved over eighteen years, but my philosophy hasn't changed. I manage a multi-family CSA, and you can find me in Aisle 5 at Edmonton's Old Strathcona Farmer's Market with fresh organic produce every Saturday.

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@Sparrowsnestorganics