316. Farming with Intention: Alicia Brown and Ben Stein on Edible Uprising Farm

What does it take to create a thriving, sustainable farm in an urban environment? In this episode, Michael talks with Alicia Brown and Ben Stein, co-owners of Edible Uprising Farm in Troy, New York. Since 2019, Alicia and Ben have been transforming their 1.5-acre no-till vegetable farm into a powerhouse of productivity and sustainability, growing over 250 varieties of vegetables and flowers. Guided by their motto, “everything with intention,” they thoughtfully approach each decision to maximize short-term efficiency while safeguarding long-term health for the land, their team, and their community. Tune in to hear their inspiring journey, from starting a farm from scratch to overcoming challenges like the pandemic and extreme weather, all while building a thriving business and family.   Episode Highlights: Starting Fresh: What inspired Alicia and Ben to start Edible Uprising Farm? [3:32] Urban Farming: How does their farm operate in the heart of Troy, NY? [5:11] Growing with Intention: What crops do they grow, and how do they adapt to challenges? [11:02] Creative Sales: How do they tackle selling tricky crops like eggplant? [17:26] Balancing Family and Farming: How did they manage parenting while farming? [23:57] Building a Team: What have they learned about managing a small, resilient team? [30:50] Scaling with Purpose: What lessons did they take from scaling up and scaling back down? [41:31] Fertility Focus: What does their soil fertility program look like? [44:29] Don’t miss this engaging conversation as Alicia and Ben share how they’ve built a thriving farm with sustainability and intention at the forefront. About the Guest: Alicia Brown and Ben Stein are the co-owners of Edible Uprising Farm, a 1.5-acre no-till vegetable farm in Troy, New York. Since 2019, they’ve grown over 250 varieties of vegetables and flowers on raised beds, all while adhering to organic techniques and prioritizing sustainable farming practices. Their motto, “everything with intention,” guides every aspect of their work, from soil health to community impact. Connect with Edible Uprising Farm: Website: Edible Uprising Farm Instagram: Follow @edibleuprisingfarm Facebook: Like Edible Uprising Farm   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor, Harvest Hosts! Want to boost revenue and attract new customers? Partner with Harvest Hosts, a free marketing platform generating $50M annually for farms and small businesses! Connect with 250,000 travelers eager to support farms like yours by offering space for one RV overnight—no hookups needed. Our members will support your farm, and you keep 100% of your revenue. Visit Harvest Hosts today. 👉🏼  Learn more about becoming a Host Location today!