ABOUT CIRCLE ORGAINC

Our story begins in the heart of downtown Hamilton where we came together through an amazing community of food activists. After working and learning on various organic farms, we found ourselves living in the inner city. We decided to join forces with ManoRun Organic Farm and our good friend Molly MacDonald to launch the West Ave Growers in the north end of downtown Hamilton, on West Avenue. We tore up our lawns and grew a bounty of delicious food, which we ate, shared, preserved and sold locally. It was our first little farm. While Andrew’s interest in food justice had carried him to places like Cuba and Milwaukee to learn about urban agriculture in the inner city; Julie had been engaged in research and community food security work in Hamilton. West Ave Growers was an expression of our journeys coming together. 

The arrival of our son Jonah in 2009 brought us to Peterborough where we could be closer to family, and so began our journey into rural farming. With the support of Betolianni Organic Farm, Circle Organic found a temporary home in the beautiful rolling hills of Bailieboro. It was a four year farming journey from which we emerged with knowledge, some battle scars, great friendships and a dirt-loving kid. Most importantly, we emerged hungry for a life of farming. And what luck to find our permanent farm in Millbrook. Since moving here in 2013, we have added two more dirt-loving, forest-adventuring kids to our family; we’ve overseen the creation of three incredible sustainable buildings; started a nature-based daycare; and built up a core staff that carries us with strength through the seasons. We are thankful to be stewarding this fair piece of land and sharing its riches with you. 

What We've Achieved