2023 NEWS & UPDATES
Another new year, another new us...
Dear FFFamily,
If you’ve driven by the farm in recent days, you may have noticed that our Farmstand is GONE! As the anchor of our business for nearly eight years, this structure has transformed many times as we continually find creative ways to serve our community and provide for our business. We have big aspirations for this farm, and while the decision to retire our Farmstand has been difficult, we already have a new location in the works… more on that in the coming months!
The farm will be closed to the public for the foreseeable future (aside from order pick-ups and the occasional events we may host).
We’ve experienced so much joy since opening Forts Ferry Farm, and have made many lifelong friends within our community. This business is built on providing locally grown produce, homemade food, and hosting a myriad of events for ALL. Our goal has always been to act as a catalyst of change in this community and not let the history and integrity of this property be erased by yet another commercial development.
However, we have found that operating a small business, let alone a small farm, in the Town of Colonie is nearly impossible to navigate, being confronted with bureaucratic red tape at every stage of our growth. Given these challenges, we have accumulated exorbitant costs in legal and professional services. Something as simple as providing plumbed water for our animals has been met with opposition, despite our best efforts to adhere to archaic local governances. Of course, each barrier then results in lengthy delays and even higher costs, making it difficult for us to justify developing our vision of this property any further.
Small businesses simply don’t exist without the support of the community, policy makers, and governments. We’ve witnessed tremendous encouragement for this little business over the years and are eternally grateful for your continued support. Until we can be assured that this farm has a supportive future within the Town of Colonie, we have halted all further progress at 185 Forts Ferry Road in Latham.
Sincerely,
Emma, John, and Jamie
In Other News:
We are not offering a CSA Program for the 2023 season. Some of you may know that the success of a CSA program relies on an efficient coordination of many factors, including scale, crop variety, harvest schedules, and labor. We are proud to have provided all of our CSA members and their families fresh produce for the past two years, but at this moment it's just not sustainable for us.
Fortunately, we’re surrounded by some great farms that offer CSA programs too- and if you need a recommendation, just let us know!
Where you CAN find us….
Forfunfoods.com is now stocked with all the prepared food items you know and love, like frozen soups, take + bake meals, sauces, and sides ~ Available for Local Pick-up only!
Fortsferryfarm.com remains stocked with our housemade granola, hot sauces, swag, and more ~ Available for nationwide shipping and local pick-up!
You will still find our amazing produce at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9am-2pm.
We’ve expanded our reach by partnering with the South End Grocer to provide fresh produce and food for the residents of downtown Albany.
We are planning a handful of super-fun, farm-sponsored events later this year when the weather warms up... Stay tuned!
We appreciate all of the love and support we’ve received since opening our farm to the community in 2015, and hope you’ll continue to join us in our evolution.
Any further questions or if you are looking to collaborate, HIT. US. UP!