About us

Founded in 2019, Edible Uprising Farm is a one acre no-till vegetable farm situated in the city of Troy, NY, a historic Victorian city which sits on the banks of the Hudson River. We grow over 250 varieties of vegetables and flowers on raised beds, all of which are hand tended and thoughtfully farmed using organic techniques to ensure the health of the soil we work.

Our motto on the farm is “everything with intention”, which translates to making sure the impact of each and every choice we make is carefully considered—not only for short term consequence but also for the long term. We offer a CSA to local families, most of whom live within two miles of the farm, and work with local chefs who care about the ingredients they use as much as we do.

The farm is run by Ben Stein and Alicia Brown, who after years of working on other farms with the dream of starting their own someday, found a small plot of land to lease to start a farm of their own. In April of 2019, they broke ground on the vacant plot of land, cleared trees, spread compost, built two tunnels, and a farm stand.. By May of 2019, the first CSA shares were being harvested.  Through the outpouring of local support, Edible Uprising Farm has grown strong and resilient despite the challenges of starting a farm from scratch, the pandemic, and extreme weather. Each year the farm continues to grow and offer good food to the families and local businesses that make up our local community. Due to the massive popularity and demand of our produce, in 2023 we expanded production by adding 1/3 of an acre of production on a plot of land just outside of Troy where we grow our garlic, potatoes and winter squash with the plans of offering perennial crops to our CSA and customers in the near future (think asparagus, rhubarb, berries, fruits and more!)

Watch an episode of “The Good Life” about Edible Uprising Farm

Ben Stein / Owner, Farmer

Ben has been farming and working in agriculture since 2009, and somehow has only become more passionate and more of a geek about plants, tools and growing methods over the years.  Ben received his degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from Green Mountain College, where he was first exposed to small-scale, sustainable, organic growing and animal husbandry.  Ben has since worked at several different vegetable farms in both Vermont and Colorado where he has honed his skills, deepened his fascination and has had the pleasure to learn from many skilled farmers, especially Jack Manix of Walker Farm in Dummerston, VT. If Ben were to actually have any spare time, he would be brewing beer, baking sourdough bread, or…. farming.  Yes, he loves it so much he would actually farm in his spare time if he had any.

Alicia Brown / Owner, Farmer

With a background in fine art and design, Alicia’s interest in sustainable agriculture started when she was studying at the Rhode Island School of Design, and was immersed in the subjects of environmental sociology and global food systems.  While navigating the complexities of American conventional culture, she strongly believed there had to be an alternative to the destructive practices ravaging our society and environment.  Emboldened by her passion for food sovereignty, sustainable food systems and social justice, Alicia began immersing herself in the agricultural community of Vermont, which only affirmed her drive to start a farm of her own. Anybody who knows her, knows that there is deep intention and extraordinary quality of craftsmanship in everything she interacts with.  When not in the field, you will most likely find Alicia in her studio either sewing, binding a new book or in a comfy chair knitting a new pair of socks.

Karleigh Madej / Field Crew

Karleigh has a background in engineering and renewable energy. In 2022, she decided to change paths and pursue her interest in sustainable agriculture and floral design. Karleigh has worked on flower farms in South Carolina and in the Hudson Valley and is excited to expand her knowledge into cultivating vegetables. She is motivated by connecting the community to nature, whether it’s through the flowers that brighten a room or the food on your dinner table.

Corey Cavagnolo / Field Crew

Born and raised in New York, Corey has held numerous jobs and addresses since he graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2005. Primarily working in the field of Graphic Design, Corey decided to switch paths in 2020 and took a job on a Pistachio Farm in Arizona. With a new found love for working outdoors Corey (and canine companion, George) worked across Aquaculture and Horticulture before committing to his love of farming and ambitions of greater food security for all peoples. With equal enthusiasm for the arts, Corey has been interested in transforming various plants into pigments; turning ordinary weeds into all natural mediums to draw and paint with. If not drawing or working with the dirt, George and Corey can often be found walking each other through towns and forests, sharing snacks and laying in the sun.