SARN Farms: Cultivating Diversity, Sustainability, and Community in Toronto
Founded by Arnest Sebbumba, SARN Farms is a thriving urban and peri-urban farm operation rooted in a lifelong passion for agriculture and entrepreneurship. Originally from Uganda, Arnest grew up on his family’s farm, where he developed his knowledge of crop production and a deep connection to the land. While Arnest is trained in telecommunications, his entrepreneurial drive led him back to agriculture—first launching a farming business in Uganda, and later continuing that journey after moving to Canada in 2018.
After gaining valuable experience with Fresh City Farms, Arnest officially registered SARN Farms in 2021. What began as a small operation quickly became a mission-driven business committed to producing fresh, culturally significant, and sustainably grown food for diverse communities in Toronto and beyond.
Today, SARN Farms operates across two strategic sites: a high-intensity one-acre production space at Downsview Park in Toronto and a new two-acre expansion site at Whole Village in Caledon. This dual-location model allows the farm to meet the immediate demands of urban markets while building resilience through storage crops and regenerative agriculture practices.
SARN Farms’ Commitment to Community and Sustainability
With over 40 crop varieties grown annually—including unique cultural staples like African white garden eggplant, Ugandan sweet potatoes, and maize—SARN Farms plays a vital role in expanding food access, especially for communities seeking culturally familiar foods often missing from conventional markets. Their crop diversity promotes ecological resilience and strengthens local food security by reducing dependence on imported produce.
SARN Farms is committed to sustainable and regenerative farming methods. While not yet certified organic, the farm implements organic practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, and natural soil amendments to protect soil health and biodiversity. At their Whole Village site, reduced tillage techniques and a focus on long-term soil regeneration reflect their dedication to environmental stewardship.
A core part of SARN Farms’ mission is its deep connection to the community. Through farmers’ markets, a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, and an on-site farm stand, the farm delivers fresh, nutrient-rich produce directly to local consumers. Their CSA continues to grow, targeting 100+ members annually, while participation in three of Toronto’s most vibrant farmers’ markets—The Stop, Leslieville, and Dufferin Grove—further strengthens their local presence.
Beyond production, SARN Farms fosters community resilience through mentorship, skills development, and job creation. The farm provides employment and hands-on learning opportunities for new farmers and members of marginalized groups, including refugees from Uganda. A mentorship and ownership-sharing model, which began with the onboarding of Deo as a future co-owner, reflects Arnest’s commitment to building leadership capacity within the agricultural sector and creating long-term pathways to ownership.
SARN Farms also contributes to a circular local economy, sourcing seeds, tools, and soil amendments from nearby suppliers and collaborating with community organizations such as 407ETR’s volunteer initiative. These partnerships help strengthen connections between local businesses, consumers, and the food system.
Looking Forward
With support from the Fair Finance Fund, SARN Farms is investing in critical infrastructure upgrades to support its growing operations. Plans include expanded cold storage to enable year-round sales, new hoop houses for season extension, and upgraded irrigation systems to improve water efficiency. Investments in farm management software, a dedicated full-time farm manager, and seasonal staff are helping the farm meet increasing production demands while maintaining sustainable practices.
Looking ahead, SARN Farms is focused on balancing growth with environmental care and operational sustainability. Their expansion into storage crops provides greater food security through year-round availability while opening new revenue streams, including wholesale markets. Regenerative practices at the Whole Village site are designed to protect long-term soil health, while direct engagement with CSA members and market customers builds loyalty and strengthens community ties.
SARN Farms’ work is a testament to how small-scale agriculture can advance food security, support cultural foodways, and foster local economic resilience. By cultivating food that reflects the diversity of Toronto’s communities and prioritizing environmental stewardship, SARN Farms continues to grow as a leader in building a more sustainable and inclusive local food system.
