Frequently Asked Questions - Part IV

Do we pay the membership fee and then have additional costs for the items that we want to purchase?  

NO additional fees! you pay upfront and get back $220 value, at least

How and when do we let you know what we want to purchase?

select online or on farm - upick as often or as little as you want - weekly, monthly, quarterly - there is no expiration date on your share - you may want more frozen items for the winter - its entirely up to you

Your email says the for the $195 membership fee we will receive $220 in value. 

you pay upfront and get back $220 value, at least

But then it lists prices for vegetables.  

we have baskets $10 (laundry basket) $4 (smaller basket) which we get from the dollar store - you fill them and this price is subtracted from your share

$220 value per share

-10 basket week of June 15th

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$210 balance
not only are you getting more for your money in price but our $10 basket is worth more like $20 in the supermarket


Can we pick out what we want?/ What do we actually receive for the membership fee?
lots of organic produce and artisan products
once you join - you'll receive a shopping list to track your choices - see our blog for more information or visit us on


March 26th - "Maple Syrup Weekend" CSA open house
we are just 2 miles from Ben & Judy's Sugarhouse
look for signs on Rt 8 "U-PICK CSA Open House"
meet in person, visit the farm and animals, refreshments served
learn more about our C i r c l e CSA , member benefits, and sustainable agriculture!

Frequently Asked Questions - Part III

What portion of the farm's budget and how do membership fees benefit the farm?

CSAs are designed to help farmers jump start the season - by getting funds up front!  Right now here is a sample of what we are paying for - seeds($300), specially grown heirloom tomato plants($700), additions to hoop house($400), peat moss($120), field labor(1,200), compost(from our horses, goats and chickens), products from other farmers to stock the farm store($various) - this all adds us to alot of cost just one month.  As our membership grows, so does the cost.  Anything left over is considered income to our farm.  Income from other sources includes our pony rides, agritourism, frozen foods, and hay sales for goats and horses.  All of our income is put back into the farm to cover the cost of equipment, land taxes, feed and care for our animals, fuel, electric, and labor (ours is donated) - all to preserve this open space for future generations.  There is no profit in farming - if we had the funds we'd start a non profit because that is what we are!  We are grateful for the life we have chosen because it is rich in ways beyond monetary - nature, animals, nutrients, children outdoors having fun, and members that become friends.

What are some of the member benefits?

As a member, you have a real interest in the farm - including helping to preserve the land and ecosystems.  You have input and can request something be grown specially for you if we don't grow it already.  And because you pay upfront - you reap the rewards of  a more fruitful and bountiful harvest!  Many more benefits are listed here:

• If you are unable to come to the farm - we can deliver at no extra charge
• when you join you will get a shopping list to keep track of your choices
• your membership is only $195 but you get back $220 in value
• there is BIG savings on our fresh veggies - a $10 veggie basket is the size of a laundry basket!  Choose a smaller $4 basket also.
• Also, choose so many other great food items from local farmers and artisans - cheese, bread, pizza, eggs, honey, syrup, yogurt...the list goes on!
• communicate your choices by picking in our fields, via email or my cell phone for members
• your freezer will be stocked with great prepared veggies, meals, and pizza for the winter months!

How do we Join?

Send in your contact info with check payable to Progressive Advisors by March 31st!

Frequently Asked Questions - Part II

Why Join our CSA?

"Ambrosia Farms offers a year-round, multi-farm Circle CSA for $195.00, which entitles members to select $220.00 worth of product over a 20-week period. During the Summer season, shareholders U-Pick their weekly share of fresh vegetables and select eggs, maple syrup, artisan cheese, granola, mushrooms, baked goods and products from neighboring farms. Pony rides, farmhouse events, frozen veggies, combination meals, heritage chickens and ducks are also available.  During the Fall and Winter months, Circle CSA members enjoy Farmers Frozen Foods, garlic, brick oven pizzas, heritage chicken and duck, maple syrup, baked goods and other farmhouse items."

Can I pick up a quart of maple syrup to include in my basket along with a dozen eggs and a pound of chicken plus whatever produce? YES

Is there a set amount of these non-produce type items that are included? 

WE RECOMMEND 65% of SHARE GOES TO AMBROSIA FARMS FRESH VEGGIES, FARMERS FROZEN FOODS - fruits, veggies, pizza, & heritage meats. You'll receive a shopping  list and YOU DECIDE!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you get for your CSA membership of  $195?

 you get back in value $220 over the course of the year - so we are giving a great value.

Why is this important to attract new members?

Your membership allows us to purchase the inputs -  $$$$$$  - lots of expenses are associated with planting a field of heirloom tomatoes, vegetables.  The earlier you sign up  - the more fruitful our fields will be.

What are the advantages for farms in our C i r c l e CSA?

By attracting more local direct farm buyers - it costs us less -  in packaging, distribution, and advertising - a major advantage when you buy directly from small family farms in the form of a CSA!

CSA Fairs and Open House

Our farm will have an open house March 26th and was invited by Northeast Organic Alliance to attend CSA fairs in Troy 3/12 and Syracuse 3/19.

Farm Locations

Most of our farmers and artisans are located in the Counties of Madison, Otsego, Chenango, and Oneida Counties.  We encourage farms throughout the Northeast to join together!  

Ambrosia Farms is near Bridgewater NY and has OPEN FARM DAYS -  for members only for UPICK and agritourism.  Visit us on Wed, Sat, and Sun from 10am until late afternoon.