Living Acres Farm

Amanda Khodorkovskaya came to the ACCORD/Allegany Business Center in January 2010. She and her husband, Aleksandr Khodorkovskiy, were starting Living Acres Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Alfred Station and she wanted to ensure that their business skills were up-to-date and ready for this new venture. Amanda not only graduated from the Spring 2010 Entrepreneurial Assistance Program’s Business Training course, she also won the Business Plan Competition!

So, “What is a CSA” you ask. According to the Living Acres Farm brochure, it is “a partnership between members of the community and a farm operation. Community members buy a “share” of the harvest prior to the start of the growing season and in return receive fresh vegetables each week once the season starts. Along with the farmer, members risk a poor harvest. Typically, however, a share is diverse and plentiful, consisting of 9-12 different types of vegetables and herbs. A share will feed approximately a family of four for a week. The money the farm receives helps buy seeds, equipment, and other farm necessities.”

Amanda said, "The business class helped to solidify the plan and gave direction to our thoughts and intentions. It also brought attention to the necessary steps to become a successful business that would have otherwise not crossed my mind. In addition., I cherish the connections that I made with fellow classmates and others in the community who are committed to helping create successful entrepreneurs."

The Living Acres Farm is located at 2052 Hemlock Hill Road in Alfred Station, New York. For more information, or to purchase shares for the 2011 season, you may contact Amanda and Sasha at 585-610-0532.