My name is Graham Sparrow and I started Sparrow’s Nest Organics in 2000, after purchasing a 70-acre farm just north of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Born and raised in Calgary, by my early-twenties I was quickly losing interest in finishing my degree in Economics. I packed my bicycle and camping gear for a 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.

​

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 me those first meagre 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 using a digging fork. I remember the first wash shed, with no lights, outdoors, with only a roof -- no walls to protect from weather. Water and power came by hose and a handy extension cord from the house. 

​

My farm has evolved over nearly 25 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, Certified Organic produce every Saturday of the year.

​