The O'Neils, an Irish immigrant family, settled what is now Cedar Grove Organic Farm in the late 19th century. They are responsible for building the original structures on the farm, including the farm house, built in the early 1900s, and the barn, built in the 1930s with the help of the Amish.

The soil quality was poor, and they farmed mostly livestock—they kept cows and horses, and, actually, our current toolshed was originally a chicken coop. In the 1940-50s, the family adopted the use of tractors, and continued to farm the land until the 1970s.

It was in the 70s when the O'Neil farm was purchased by a group of people from the Peterborough/Toronto area, under the name Kawartha Hills Organic Farm. The farm functioned as a co-operative until it changed hands again in 2005.


Originally from the East coast, Les Bowser lived in Toronto and ran a successful magazine distribution company, Door Mouse, which he sold in 2001. In 2005, he purchased the farm. He began with mixed vegetables and cows, but eventually specialized in garlic, making Cedar Grove Organic Farm the garlic farm it is today.

Scott King began work on the farm in 2012, and now runs the business. Les continues to live on the farm, while pursuing his other passions